code {poems} aims to compile a variety of code poems from software engineers, artists and other code writers, exploring the potential of code to communicate at the level of poetry.

Code poems can be submitted in any coding language – there are only two rules:

– 0,5 KB maximum size.
– Required to compile.

For visual reference, poems will be printed using a monospace typeface, in pages with 32 lines, 50 characters per line. Formatting (page breaks, indentation) will be respected for the publication.

Deadline: 31st May 2012.

Poetry is considered a form of literary art in which language is used for its aesthetic and evocative qualities. It contains multiple interpretations and therefore resonates differently in each reader.

Code is the language used to communicate with computers. It has its own rules (syntax) and meaning (semantics). Like literature writers or poets, coders also have their own style that include – strategies for optimizing the code being read by a computer, and facilitating its understanding through visual organization and comments for other coders.

Code can speak literature, logic, maths. It contains different layers of abstraction and it links them to the physical world of processors and memory chips. All these resources can contribute in expanding the boundaries of contemporary poetry by using code as a new language. Code to speak about life or death, love or hate. Code meant to be read, not run.

code {poems} is a project by Ishac Bertran

Code editors:
David Gauthier, Jamie Allen, Joshua Noble, Marcin Ignac