Writing and programming are often seen as different. Writing a creative profession, programming a technical one. Below the surface however, there is one large similarity. Both writing and programming are, ultimately, the translation of a high-level idea into low level sentences or statements. In this paper, we compare the activities of writing and programming, and indeed uncover similarities in the activities commonly described as part of the writing and programming workflow.

However we also observe some differences, like the attention writers have for formatting and styling, and the opportunity for feedback programmers have by compiling and executing programs. This paper aims to explore differences and similarities, to understand each field better. Where are the procedures similar? Where can we learn from each other? Do we understand striking differences?