Voice assistants are here to stay. From Google to Amazon and Apple. Each of the big companies has developed software that's in the palm of our hand. Google Assistant finds us the best route home, Siri tells us jokes, and Alexa finds us the best deals on Amazon. If we use voice recognition software for simple things like asking our phone to call someone, why not for helping us to program?
If there's one thing that characterises programmers, it's the hours upon hours they spend typing in front of a computer. Much like pianists, their hands are their greatest treasure. And they are also the part of their body that suffers the most, along with their back. Until now. Voice programming has become a reality thanks to the efforts of various experts.
Five years ago, Tavis Rudd demonstrated that programming by voice was possible. Rudd suffers from cubital tunnel syndrome due to repetitive strain (RSI). Therefore, voice programming could be a solution to his problems. Rudd initially used Dragon Naturally Speaking software, which supports standard language but is not designed for programming commands. He then switched to the Python extension DragonFly, with which it was possible for him. After Rudd, other experts with similar problems were encouraged to develop different types of software. Always with the same goal: to make programming as comfortable as possible and to prevent physical ailments.
When it comes to voice commands, Vocola and VoiceCode are the most successful. The former uses a very simple syntax. Furthermore, the commands it uses can be customised, according to the programmer's needs. How? Either by creating a new vocabulary or by spelling out the commands. For its part, VoiceCode, indeed, allows programming in any language. It uses chained commands to create complex actions.
Apart from the most obvious advantage of voice coding, some programmers complain. Admittedly, it's in jest. They now have to drink a lot of water, as they strain their throats and voices. Others say they can no longer sing or whistle while they're doing it.
Undoubtedly, voice coding is a guarantee for not having to abandon one's professional career or studies due to chronic pain, injury, or disability.
