Main Entry: 1code
Pronunciation: 'kOd
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin caudex, codex trunk of a tree, document formed originally from wooden tablets
1 : a systematic statement of a body of law; especially : one given statutory force
2 : a system of principles or rules
3 a : a system of signals or symbols for communication b : a system of symbols (as letters or numbers) used to represent assigned and often secret meanings
4 : GENETIC CODE
5 : a set of instructions for a computer
The code page on Wikipedia also describes some examples of how code is used.
You could say that in general each of these definitions deals with: a process by which a source performs a conversion of information into a message which is sent to a receiver, who deciphers the message.
Describe an example of code, posting your response as a comment on this blog entry. This could be from any cultural or technological context. Be creative in your interpretation of what code might be!
2 comments:
Here's my definition of code:
A set of rules and/or instructions encoded in such a way that the interned subject of those rules can understand and follow them.
My example of code is this message. I've encoded my definition of code into the English language, in such a way that you will (hopefully) be able understand and follow my example.
If that's not enough code for you, then pick any other step in the transmission of this message.
Aside from the HTML code blogger creates out of this message, TCP codes the message into small bits, each with information about where it came from and where it's going. My DSL modem codes the message further before reaching my ISP and ultimately Google.
As graphic designers we are always using code or codes in a number of different expressions of the definition. I usually think of most graphic design falling into the second (2) and third (3a) definitions. Especially typefaces. Kris mentioned that the English language is a type of code which is true, but it also has a subset of visual codes that are variables or place holders for meaning: letterforms. We have collectively “defined” through historical and cultural progression that the form “A” = A. And even minor shifts in typeface, scale, media still have us agreeing that it is the same visual form tied to a idea, tied to a sound in verbal speech. And that’s not even accounting for lowercase or miniscule letterforms.
Another kind of code that I’m currently fascinated by is Phonetic Alphabets, which add another layer of code on top of of our existing Roman alphabet.* In the NATO phonetic alphabet A=Alpha, B=Bravo, C=Charlie, D=Delta, E=Echo, F=Foxtrot, etc... Phonetic and are frequently used by the military or police to prevent garbled communication over telephones and radio lines. So it’s a bit of a twist on definition 3b. There are a set of assigned meetings, but in this case the meanings aren’t secret, but meant to actually enhance the communication of meaning.
*In our Typographics class Jon Sueda has assigned us a project where we must analyize and use several phonetic alphabets or even create own.
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