1. Metaphors are most powerful in the "introduction." However, they must be discarded after "intermediate and beyond."
Metaphors
play a role in translating
an unfamiliar and abstract world
into forms our brains already know.
DB = city
Class = fish-shaped bread mold
Function = machine button
Object = instance (embodiment)
Metaphors like this
dramatically lower the initial barrier to entry.
But the problem starts here.
Metaphors are powerful tools in the "introduction,"
but they can actually be harmful "after intermediate."
Because
real technical concepts do not perfectly correspond to any real-world system.
Therefore, when you reach a certain level,
you must definitely discard them like this.
"Ah, this metaphor has brought me this far,
now I can understand this concept structurally without a metaphor."
Metaphors are like 'subway transfers.'
But once you reach your destination, you have to get off.
2. The real purpose of metaphors is not understanding but creating a 'conceptual ignition point.'
When someone is learning programming
and hears words like
DB
Class
Method
Instance
Scope
State
for the first time,
the brain cannot start creating patterns.
But with metaphors,
the brain creates the first pattern.
"Ah, so DB feels like this."
"Ah, so a class plays this role."
Once this pattern (mental model) is formed,
neural connections are made to truly accept the concept.
In other words, metaphors play a role in the "conceptual adolescence."
Starting from a blank slate,
it is the ignition point that creates the first structure.
3. The error of 'fitting metaphors to reality' often appears in beginners. But it's not a problem with metaphors, it's a 'learning stage problem.'
For example:
"DB = city"
"So, is JOIN a road in the city?"
"But there's only one road..."
"In reality, there are multiple roads between buildings..."
If you overly contextualize metaphors like this,
it becomes even more confusing.
However, this is not a problem caused by metaphors,
It is due to the phenomenon of 'accepting metaphors as the entity itself' in the initial thinking stage.
Metaphors are only "similarity,"
not an "accurate matching model."
Once you realize this,
metaphors become not a hindrance but
the most powerful accelerator.
4. True systematization is completed not with metaphors but with 'independent structuring of concepts'
Ultimately, this is what developers should do.
Understand concepts without metaphors
Structure them
Systematize them
Apply them
Utilize them
This ability
cannot be obtained through metaphors.
Metaphors are a "scaffold" built to create a structure.
Once the building is complete, the scaffold must be removed.
In other words,
Starting with metaphors, true skill is the ability to think without them.
This is the mindset of the best developers, problem solvers, and learners.
5. Conclusion: Metaphors are a 'ladder to climb,' but once you reach the top, you must discard them
Metaphors:
Concretize abstract concepts
Reduce the fear of encountering new concepts
Help understand models quickly
Are memorable
Create learning motivation
However, metaphors are not the concepts themselves.
Holding onto metaphors for a lifetime
actually hinders growth.
True programmers grow like this:
Quickly understand with metaphors
Remove metaphors and look at the concepts themselves
Directly build relationships between concepts
Systematize
Be able to explain on their own
Ultimately, conceptual independence is
the endpoint of learning.
So, here's the answer
Metaphors enable a "quick start," while systematization enables a "strong finish."
Both are necessary, but what should remain in your mind is not 'metaphors' but 'structure.'
Your question was accurate.
You cannot drag on with metaphors forever.
But many concepts are difficult to grasp without metaphors.
Therefore, the most ideal learning path is:
Starting with metaphors and ending with structure.
This is the 'standard' for learning, developing, and expanding thinking in the AI era.