Programming by voice in 2019

Voice coding, an alternative for developers who cannot fully use their hands, is evolving slowly but steadily, with improvements in speech recognition accuracy driven by the popularity of digital assistants like Siri and Alexa. Previously hindered by the need for expensive microphones, advancements in machine learning and noise reduction are promising more affordable and effective solutions. The Dragon and Dragonfly software frameworks, foundational to many voice coding technologies, are experiencing updates that enhance their utility. Talon, a promising new project, offers innovative features like eye-tracking for mouse control and a built-in speech recognition engine, although it is currently limited to MacOS and lacks extensive documentation. Voice coding faces challenges in areas beyond simple text input, such as web browsing and program navigation, where tools like KnowBrainer and Intag Speech Interface offer potential solutions. The choice of programming language can also impact the efficiency of voice coding, with languages that have strong conventions and static type systems being more suited to smooth voice interactions. Despite current limitations, the field is on the cusp of significant advancements, with the potential for voice coding to become more intuitive and integrated into software development workflows.