Code Is Not Programming: Why Naur's 1985 Framework Still Matters

Peter Naur's seminal 1985 paper reframes programming as the construction of mental models and theories about systems, rather than mere code production. This distinction grows increasingly critical as software complexity rises—programming excellence depends on team comprehension and collective understanding, not just syntax execution. For today's developers, Naur's framework explains why legacy handoffs fail, why code reviews transcend feedback, and why sustainable software development fundamentally requires aligned mental models across teams.