Why Computers Aren’t Just Smarter Humans—Explaining the Alien Mindset of Machines

Programming isn’t just about telling computers what to do—it’s about translating complex human ideas into terms so literal, so constrained, that even a stubborn toddler would understand. Computers, after all, are not clever—they never 'get the gist' or fill in missing details. They need explicit steps, and if you skip one, they’ll do the wrong thing or nothing at all. Think of how many times a child, asked where their shoes are, says ‘There’ instead of putting them on. Computers work exactly the same way, just much faster and without tantrums.

This alien mindset frustrates beginners and experts alike. The sense that 'the code should work—it almost does, except for one tiny thing!' results from forgetting that computers are literal machines, not little people with instincts, intuition, or flexibility. That's why so many complex problems come down to a missed step or unstated assumption—a missing initialization, an off-by-one loop, a variable not reset. It’s also why the process of software design often feels more like child psychology than like chess or math.

By appreciating the concrete nature of computer logic, you develop empathy for both machines and people learning to become more precise. You learn that good programs (and good instructions) require clear communication, rigorous breakdown of processes, and an ability to detect and fill the gaps even you can no longer see. Adopting this habit helps you become a better teacher, teammate, and problem solver in any field.

This is aligned with behavioral science views on 'explicit modeling' for acquiring new habits—and understanding the 'alien' mind is key to taking your programming and communication to new heights.

Take a moment to break a simple daily task—like making cereal or updating a group chat—into the tiniest possible steps, including the ones you usually gloss over. Then, review your work as if you were three years old or a computer encountering it for the first time, looking for steps or background you skipped. When you next sit down to code, or even to explain something at home or work, try writing out every instruction like this. It might feel tedious, but it’s the foundation for robust teaching, programming, and habit-building. Try it today and watch for surprises!