Ep 5. Coding

Explained is a documentary series that dives deep into a variety of topics and explores the hidden stories behind them. The second season of the show released in 2019 on Netflix encompasses topics like cults, cricket, and tattoos. One of the episodes of the second season, named Coding, explores how modern computers and the internet would not exist without coding or the instructions that run discrete hardware systems.

The episode, which is 16 minutes long, approaches its subject boldly by bringing experts from disparate fields and backgrounds, including computer scientists, historians, and activists, to explore how coding intersects with fundamental aspects of society like politics and economics. The episode's host uses illustrations, graphics, and anecdotes to break down the complex concepts and make them understandable for the general audience, without getting lost in the technical jargon.

The episode begins by establishing the central role that coding has played in shaping the contemporary world and how it has disrupted established norms and hierarchies. Five experts present their views on how coding is changing society and humans in general. They also acknowledge the concerns of those who argue that algorithms can be biased against marginalized groups, giving way to inequity and injustice.

The episode covers a brief history of coding, starting with the first computers, which relied on soldering circuits together and punching holes in cards. It then takes a leap forward to the present day, where computers are ubiquitous, making it easy to browse social media, e-commerce websites, or even transferring millions of dollars with a few clicks.

Next, the viewers learn about one of the essential coding languages, JavaScript, which allows websites to become dynamic and interactive. The expert explains how JavaScript can take content from a server and alter it without refreshing an entire page and how it is used extensively in web development.

After introducing the basic coding concepts and languages, the episode moves on to explore the impact of coding on labor practices and how technological advancements have automated many jobs. The host explains how automation has affected the labor force and where it stands now in terms of replacing or augmenting human labor.

The episode continues with the history of cryptography and coding's importance in it. The viewers get to learn about the Enigma machine's history used by the Nazis alongside other encryption methods. The expert describes how encryption and decryption algorithms work and how it's crucial for communication and information systems in today's world to be secure.

The episode's final segment covers various aspects of coding that needs to be addressed, including privacy concerns faced by users, the homogeneity of the tech industry, and bias in algorithms. The experts discuss the need to promote diverse voices and perspectives in tech and ensure that the industry's values align with broader social goals.

Overall, the Explained season 2 episode 5, Coding, provides an insightful and engaging primer on coding's significance in shaping the contemporary world. The series' ability to explain complex concepts in an accessible and engaging manner, combined with the visuals, animation, and rich storytelling, sets it apart from other documentaries. The episode has something for everyone, from tech enthusiasts to laypeople, which makes it an informative and enjoyable watch.