Why Most Developers Dont Like Visual Programming [Video]

Trying to replace coding is not easy. Apart from generative AI coding tools, there have always been visual programming languages (VPLs) that have been trying to make the jobs of the coders easier by visualising syntax and logic, but developers never really use them. Maybe for a day or two, but then get bored, and go back to coding.

Sebastian Bensusan recently asked the same question which sparked debates around the developer ecosystem. Despite the enthusiasm that surrounds their development, many visual programming languages have failed to gain widespread adoption. This failure can be attributed to several fundamental issues that make VPLs less practical and effective for developers, who, more often than not, prefer the versatility and universality of plaintext coding.

One of the primary reasons for the failure of visual programming languages is the overwhelming preference for traditional, text-based coding. “plaintext is just so much more universal and easy to manipulate,” said a …