[skydhash]

> If mathematics and programming were more like spoken language, it seems the task would be massively simpler

Mathematics and programming derives from spoken languages. The thing is that spoken languages lack precision: What you said is not what I understand. So they chose a subset, assign the items precise meanings and how to use them in sentences. Then convert the whole in a terser form for ease of notation. Starting with the terse notation is the wrong way to go about it, just like someone does not start learning music by reading sheet music. Learning programming is easier by learning what the components are and not how to write syntax.

> So maybe the problem for us too is the language and not the intelligence.

The issue is understanding. Behind every bad code, there's someone with either lack of understanding or making hasty decisions (time pressure, tiredness,...).

[noworriesnate]

> The thing is that spoken languages lack precision

This is true, but extreme precision is most useful if there's only communication one way, i.e. the programmer communicates to the computer how to operate and the computer does not respond (other than to execute the code). But if there's a dialog, then both parties can ask for clarification and basically perform a binary search to quickly hone in on the exact meaning.

[skydhash]

The computer does respond. With the result of the query or the operation that I've tasked it to do. If I say `<command>`, the only replies that I expect are: confirmation if the action is dangerous; error messages if the action did not succeed; and success message if it did. I don't want to do philosophy with a tool. I only want to get a task done or create something. All the meanings for the commands are already listed in the manuals for the software that are running on the computer. And you can get training if you want targeted guidance.