The act of writing in length helps to expand a vocabulary (i.e., you have used the word “whether” 6 times– try something new).

The act of programming allows you to become a better programmer (for the most part ;]).

For example:

words = %w(“some”,”list”,”of”,”words”)
—- Example 1 (harder to read “like English”)
string = words * ” “
—- Example 2 (easier to read because the asterisk is replaced by it’s action)
string – words.join(” “)

They have the same effect. But, the expression reads very differently.

I guess I’m looking for a a reference to how being concise only works when both communicators are (a) well versed in the common language and (b) understanding what is trying to be achieved.

Just my 2 cents. Really liked the article.