Explaining Code in Plain English: Tips for Developers

Explaining Code in Plain English: Tips for Developers

Every developer has faced that moment when a non-technical stakeholder asks what their code does, and suddenly the elegant solution they crafted becomes impossibly difficult to explain. The ability to translate complex programming concepts into plain English isn't just a nice-to-have skill—it's essential for career advancement, effective collaboration, and building products that truly serve user needs. When developers can communicate clearly with designers, project managers, clients, and other team members, projects move faster, misunderstandings decrease, and innovation flourishes.

Explaining code in plain English means breaking down technical implementations, algorithms, and programming logic into language that anyone can understand, regardless of their technical background. This communication bridge connects the world of ones and zeros with real-world business objectives, user experiences, and strategic decisions. The challenge lies not in dumbing down the work, but in finding the right metaphors, analogies, and frameworks that preserve accuracy while achieving clarity.

Throughout this exploration, you'll discover practical techniques for simplifying technical explanations, learn how to identify your audience's knowledge level, and gain strategies for using visual aids and storytelling to make code comprehensible. You'll find actionable methods for avoiding jargon traps, structuring your explanations effectively, and building confidence in your communication abilities. Whether you're explaining a simple function or a complex distributed system, these approaches will transform how you share your technical work with the world.

Understanding Your Audience's Technical Background

The foundation of any successful code explanation begins with accurately assessing who you're speaking to and what they already know. A fellow developer will need different information than a product manager, who in turn requires different context than an executive or end user. The mistake many developers make is assuming too much or too little knowledge, which either confuses the listener or wastes their time with unnecessary basics.

Start by asking clarifying questions before you dive into your explanation. Find out what the person already knows about the project, what their role involves, and what specific outcome they're hoping to achieve from your conversation. A designer might need to understand how data flows through the interface, while a marketing professional might only care about what features are possible and when they'll be ready. Tailoring your explanation to match their existing mental models makes comprehension exponentially easier.

"The biggest barrier to understanding isn't complexity—it's assuming everyone thinks about problems the same way you do."

Consider creating mental profiles of your common audience types. For non-technical stakeholders, focus on outcomes and analogies. For semi-technical colleagues like product managers, you can introduce some terminology but should still avoid deep implementation details. For technical peers, you can discuss architecture and trade-offs more freely. This segmentation helps you quickly adapt your communication style in any situation.

Pay attention to body language and verbal cues during your explanation. If someone's eyes glaze over, you've gone too technical. If they're asking basic questions about things you skipped, you've assumed too much knowledge. The best explainers constantly calibrate their approach based on real-time feedback, adjusting complexity levels and adding clarifying examples as needed.

The Power of Analogies and Metaphors

Analogies serve as cognitive bridges, connecting unfamiliar programming concepts to everyday experiences that everyone understands. A well-chosen metaphor can instantly illuminate what hours of technical explanation cannot. The key is selecting analogies that accurately represent the concept without introducing misleading associations that might confuse rather than clarify.

When explaining variables, think of them as labeled boxes that hold different items. You can change what's in the box, but the label stays the same. For functions, imagine a recipe that takes ingredients (parameters) and produces a dish (return value). A database becomes a filing cabinet with organized drawers and folders, while APIs are like restaurant menus—you don't need to know how the kitchen works to order what you want.

The most effective analogies come from domains your audience already understands. If you're explaining code to healthcare professionals, use medical analogies. For financial stakeholders, frame concepts in terms of transactions and accounts. This contextual relevance makes abstract concepts immediately tangible and memorable.

"A perfect analogy doesn't explain everything—it explains enough to create understanding, then gets out of the way."

Be cautious about overextending analogies. Every comparison has limits, and pushing a metaphor too far can create confusion. When you notice the analogy breaking down, acknowledge it explicitly: "This is where the restaurant menu comparison doesn't quite work, because..." This honesty maintains trust and prevents misconceptions from taking root.

Breaking Down Complex Systems Into Digestible Parts

Large codebases and intricate systems can overwhelm anyone, including experienced developers encountering them for the first time. The solution lies in decomposition—breaking the whole into understandable components and explaining how they connect. This approach mirrors how we naturally process information: understanding parts first, then assembling them into a complete picture.

Start with the highest level overview, describing what the system does in one sentence. "This application helps users track their fitness goals" provides context before diving into specifics. Then introduce the major components: "It has three main parts—the mobile app where users log activities, the server that stores their data, and the analytics engine that generates insights." Each component gets its own explanation before discussing how they interact.

🎯 Layered Explanation Approach

• Layer 1 - The What: Describe the system's purpose and what users experience
• Layer 2 - The How (High-Level): Explain major components and their primary functions
• Layer 3 - The How (Detailed): Dive into specific implementations only if requested
• Layer 4 - The Why: Discuss architectural decisions and trade-offs

Use progressive disclosure to manage information flow. Present the essential information first, then offer additional details for those who want to go deeper. This technique respects everyone's time while satisfying different curiosity levels. You might say, "The authentication system verifies user identity. If you want to know more about how we secure that process, I can explain our token-based approach."

Visual representations dramatically improve comprehension of system architecture. Even simple boxes-and-arrows diagrams on a whiteboard can clarify relationships that words alone cannot convey. Show data flow with arrows, use color coding for different component types, and indicate where external services integrate. These visuals become reference points throughout your explanation, giving people something concrete to anchor their understanding.

"Complexity isn't the enemy of understanding—trying to explain everything at once is."

When discussing interactions between components, use narrative sequencing. Walk through a typical user action from start to finish: "When someone clicks the login button, first the app validates their input, then sends a request to the server, which checks the database, generates a secure token, and sends it back to the app." This story-based approach leverages our natural affinity for sequential narratives.

Eliminating Jargon Without Losing Precision

Technical jargon serves a purpose among developers—it's precise, efficient shorthand for complex concepts. However, when communicating with non-technical audiences, jargon becomes a barrier that excludes rather than informs. The challenge is maintaining accuracy while choosing words that don't require a computer science degree to understand.

Before using any technical term, ask yourself: "Does this person need to know this specific word, or do they need to understand the concept it represents?" Often, the concept matters more than the terminology. Instead of saying "We'll implement a RESTful API with OAuth 2.0 authentication," try "We'll create a secure connection that lets different applications share data safely." The second version communicates the essential information without requiring specialized knowledge.

🔄 Common Jargon Translations

• Deploy: Make the new version available to users
• Refactor: Reorganize code to make it cleaner without changing what it does
• Debug: Find and fix problems in the code
• Scalable: Can handle growth without breaking or slowing down
• Technical debt: Shortcuts we took that we'll need to fix properly later

When you must use technical terms—perhaps because they'll encounter them in documentation or other conversations—define them immediately in plain language. "We use containers, which are like lightweight, portable packages that include everything the application needs to run anywhere." This approach builds vocabulary without assuming prior knowledge.

"The goal isn't to avoid all technical language—it's to ensure that language serves understanding rather than obscuring it."

Watch for acronym overload, which plagues technical communication. API, SQL, HTTP, CSS, DOM—these mean nothing to outsiders. Either spell them out with explanations ("Application Programming Interface, which is how different software talks to each other") or avoid them entirely when possible. If acronyms are unavoidable in your context, create a simple glossary that people can reference.

Practice the "grandmother test"—could you explain this to your grandmother (or any beloved non-technical person in your life)? This mental exercise forces you to strip away assumptions and find truly universal language. It's not about being condescending; it's about being inclusive and clear. The best technical communicators can discuss sophisticated systems with anyone, adjusting their vocabulary without changing the underlying accuracy.

Using Visual Aids and Diagrams Effectively

The human brain processes visual information significantly faster than text, making diagrams and visual aids powerful tools for explaining code. A well-designed diagram can communicate relationships, flows, and structures that would take paragraphs to describe verbally. The key is choosing the right type of visualization for what you're trying to convey and keeping it simple enough to understand at a glance.

Flowcharts excel at showing decision paths and process flows. Use them when explaining how code handles different conditions or walks through a series of steps. Keep boxes simple with short labels, use consistent shapes for similar types of actions, and ensure the flow direction is immediately obvious. Color coding can distinguish between different types of operations—perhaps blue for data operations, green for user interactions, and yellow for decisions.

For system architecture, component diagrams show how different parts fit together. Represent each major component as a box, draw lines to show relationships, and add brief labels explaining what flows between them (data, requests, events). Avoid the temptation to include every detail—your diagram should clarify, not overwhelm. If it looks cluttered, you're showing too much at once.

📊 Visual Aid Selection Guide

• Sequence diagrams: Perfect for showing how different parts of a system communicate over time
• State diagrams: Ideal for explaining how something changes based on different conditions
• Entity-relationship diagrams: Best for database structures and how data connects
• Mind maps: Useful for brainstorming sessions and showing concept relationships
• Wireframes with annotations: Excellent for connecting code functionality to user interface

"A diagram should answer questions, not raise new ones. If people need an explanation to understand your visual aid, it's not doing its job."

When presenting diagrams, don't just display them—walk through them systematically. Point to specific elements as you discuss them, trace paths with your finger or cursor, and build the diagram progressively if possible. Starting with a complete, complex diagram can overwhelm people; revealing it piece by piece as you explain each component creates a narrative that's easier to follow.

Digital tools like Lucidchart, Draw.io, or even simple PowerPoint shapes can create professional diagrams, but don't underestimate the power of whiteboard sketches during live conversations. The informal nature of hand-drawn diagrams invites questions and collaboration, and you can modify them instantly based on feedback. Take photos of whiteboard sessions to preserve these impromptu visual explanations for later reference.

Consider creating annotated screenshots of actual code or interfaces. Highlight specific lines or sections, add callout boxes with plain-English explanations, and use arrows to show relationships. This grounds your explanation in something concrete that people can see and understand. Screenshots work particularly well when explaining bugs, demonstrating features, or showing before-and-after comparisons of improvements.

Structuring Your Explanation for Maximum Clarity

Even the clearest language and best analogies fall flat without proper structure. How you organize your explanation determines whether people can follow your logic and retain the information. A well-structured explanation guides listeners through complexity without losing them, building understanding incrementally rather than dumping information all at once.

The pyramid principle works exceptionally well for technical explanations. Start with the conclusion or main point, then provide supporting details. "This code optimizes our search function to run 10 times faster. It does this by indexing data differently and caching frequent queries." This approach immediately answers the question "why should I care?" before diving into how it works. People can tune out once they have the information they need, or lean in for more detail if they're interested.

Use signposting language to help people track where you are in the explanation. Phrases like "First, let me explain what happens when...", "The second part involves...", and "Finally, we need to consider..." create a mental roadmap. This structure reduces cognitive load because listeners don't have to wonder how much more is coming or how the current information fits into the bigger picture.

⚡ Effective Explanation Structure Template

• Hook: Start with the problem or benefit (30 seconds)
• Overview: Provide a one-sentence summary of the solution (15 seconds)
• Key Components: Explain 2-4 main parts in logical order (2-3 minutes)
• Connections: Show how components work together (1 minute)
• Implications: Discuss what this means for the project/user (1 minute)

"Structure isn't about being rigid—it's about being considerate of how people actually process and remember information."

Build in checkpoints throughout your explanation. After covering a major concept, pause and ask "Does that make sense so far?" or "Any questions about that part before we move on?" These moments give people permission to ask for clarification without feeling like they're interrupting. They also give you valuable feedback about whether to slow down, speed up, or rephrase something.

For longer explanations, use the tell-show-tell pattern. First, tell them what you're going to explain. Then show them (with examples, demos, or diagrams). Finally, tell them again what you just showed, reinforcing the key points. This repetition isn't redundant—it's how information moves from short-term to long-term memory. Each iteration adds a layer of understanding that makes the concept stick.

End with actionable takeaways rather than just trailing off. Summarize the most important points in two or three sentences, and clarify what happens next. "So to recap, this new authentication system is more secure and faster for users. We'll roll it out next week, and you'll see the login screen change slightly. If anyone has questions after trying it, just let me know." This concrete ending gives people closure and clear expectations.

Demonstrating Rather Than Just Describing

Abstract descriptions of code functionality often fail to convey what the code actually does in practice. Demonstrations bridge this gap by showing real behavior that people can observe and understand. When you demonstrate code in action, you transform theoretical concepts into tangible experiences that resonate far more powerfully than words alone.

A live demo of working software beats lengthy explanations every time. Show the user interface, click through the workflow, and narrate what's happening behind the scenes as you go. "When I click this button, the code sends your information securely to the server, which processes it and sends back a confirmation—see how that message appeared?" This real-time connection between action and result makes abstract code concrete and relatable.

For code that doesn't have a visible interface, use console demonstrations or debugging tools to show what's happening. Even non-technical people can understand "See how this number changed from 5 to 10? That's the code adding these two values together." The visual feedback of watching values change, functions execute, or data transform provides proof of concept that pure explanation cannot match.

Before-and-after comparisons powerfully demonstrate improvements. Show the old version's behavior, then the new version's behavior, highlighting the differences. "Notice how the old version took 5 seconds to load this page? Now watch the new version—it loads almost instantly." This tangible evidence of progress resonates with stakeholders far more than technical explanations of optimization techniques.

"Show, don't tell, isn't just writing advice—it's the foundation of effective technical communication."

When live demonstrations aren't feasible, screen recordings provide the next best option. Record yourself walking through the functionality, narrating as you go, and share the video. This asynchronous approach lets people watch at their own pace, pause to absorb information, and rewatch sections they didn't fully understand the first time. Videos also serve as documentation that multiple people can reference.

Consider creating interactive prototypes or simplified versions that stakeholders can try themselves. Hands-on experience creates understanding that observation alone cannot achieve. Even if it's just a basic version with limited functionality, letting someone click buttons and see results transforms them from passive recipients of information to active participants in understanding.

🎬 Demonstration Best Practices

• Prepare your demo environment: Test everything beforehand to avoid technical difficulties
• Start with the happy path: Show the ideal scenario first, then edge cases if relevant
• Narrate continuously: Don't let silence create confusion about what's happening
• Point out details: Use your cursor or hand to direct attention to specific elements
• Have a backup plan: Keep screenshots or videos ready in case live demos fail

Relating Code to Business Value and User Impact

Technical stakeholders might care about elegant algorithms and clean architecture, but most people care about outcomes. Connecting your code to business value and user impact transforms it from abstract technical work into meaningful contributions that advance organizational goals. This translation is critical for gaining support, resources, and appreciation for development work.

Always answer the implicit question: "Why does this matter?" When explaining a new feature, don't just describe what it does—explain what users can now accomplish. "This search function doesn't just find results faster—it means customers can find products in seconds instead of minutes, which reduces frustration and increases sales." This connection between code and real-world outcomes makes your work tangible and valuable.

Frame technical improvements in business metrics that stakeholders already track. Instead of "We reduced database query time by 200 milliseconds," say "This performance improvement means we can handle 50% more concurrent users without upgrading our servers, saving approximately $30,000 annually in infrastructure costs." Speaking the language of business impact demonstrates that you understand how your work fits into larger organizational objectives.

Use user stories to humanize code functionality. "Imagine Sarah, a busy mom shopping during her lunch break. Before this update, the checkout process had five steps and took three minutes. Now it's streamlined to two steps and takes 45 seconds. Sarah can complete her purchase and still have time to eat lunch." These narratives create empathy and understanding that technical descriptions cannot achieve.

"Code doesn't exist in a vacuum—it exists to solve problems and create value. Never forget to make that connection explicit."

When discussing technical debt or refactoring, translate it into risk and opportunity language. "This code cleanup doesn't add features users can see, but it prevents bugs that would cost us customer trust and support time. It also makes future feature development 30% faster because the foundation is solid." This reframing helps non-technical stakeholders understand why invisible work matters.

Connect security and reliability improvements to trust and reputation. "This security enhancement protects our users' personal information, which maintains their trust in our brand and keeps us compliant with regulations that could fine us significantly if violated." Suddenly, abstract security code becomes a concrete protection of business assets and customer relationships.

For internal tools and systems, emphasize efficiency gains and employee experience. "This automation eliminates three hours of manual data entry per day for the operations team, freeing them to focus on higher-value work and reducing the error rate from 5% to nearly zero." Demonstrating how code improves colleagues' work lives builds appreciation and support across the organization.

Handling Technical Questions from Non-Technical People

Questions from non-technical audiences often seem simple on the surface but require careful navigation to answer effectively. These questions reveal what people actually want to know, which may differ from what they literally asked. Skilled technical communicators listen for the underlying concern and address that, rather than just answering the surface-level question with technical details.

When someone asks "How does this work?" they usually don't want a detailed technical explanation—they want to understand it well enough to make a decision or explain it to someone else. Respond with a high-level overview first: "It works by connecting to our database, finding the relevant information, and displaying it in an easy-to-read format." Then pause and ask, "Would you like more detail about any particular part?" This gives them control over how deep you go.

For "How long will this take?" questions, avoid the temptation to give overly precise estimates that you can't guarantee. Instead, provide ranges and explain what factors affect timing: "Based on similar features, probably two to three weeks. That assumes we don't encounter unexpected complications with the third-party service we're integrating." This honesty builds trust and sets realistic expectations.

💬 Decoding Common Questions

• "Is this secure?" Really means: "Should I worry about this? Will it protect our users?"
• "Why is this taking so long?" Really means: "Is there a problem? Can we speed it up?"
• "Can we add this feature?" Really means: "How difficult would this be? What would it cost?"
• "What happens if it breaks?" Really means: "What's our risk? Do we have a backup plan?"
• "Why do we need this?" Really means: "Help me understand the value so I can support it."

"The best answers address the question behind the question, not just the words that were spoken."

When you don't know the answer, say so honestly rather than guessing or providing technical speculation. "That's a great question—I need to investigate that before giving you a solid answer. Can I get back to you by tomorrow afternoon?" This professionalism builds credibility far more than fumbling through an uncertain response. Follow up promptly with a clear answer that addresses their concern.

For questions that reveal misconceptions, correct them gently without making the person feel foolish. "That's a common thought, and it makes sense why you'd think that. Actually, it works a bit differently—let me explain." This approach preserves dignity while providing accurate information. Never use phrases like "Actually, you're wrong" or "That's not how it works," which create defensiveness and shut down communication.

Sometimes questions are really expressions of anxiety about change, risk, or complexity. "Will this affect our current customers?" might really mean "I'm worried about negative reactions." Address the emotional concern alongside the technical answer: "This change happens entirely on the backend, so current customers won't notice any difference in how they use the product. Their data and workflows stay exactly the same." This reassurance matters as much as the technical facts.

Practicing and Improving Your Explanation Skills

Like coding itself, explaining code effectively is a skill that improves with deliberate practice. Natural talent helps, but even naturally gifted communicators benefit from intentional development of their explanation abilities. The developers who excel at this skill didn't get there by accident—they practiced, received feedback, and continuously refined their approach.

Record yourself explaining a technical concept and watch the playback. This uncomfortable exercise reveals verbal tics, unclear phrasing, and moments where your explanation becomes confusing. You'll notice when you use jargon without realizing it, when your structure wanders, and when you assume knowledge that others might not have. This self-awareness is the first step toward improvement.

Seek out opportunities to explain your work to different audiences. Volunteer to present at team meetings, write blog posts explaining technical concepts, or mentor junior developers. Each explanation attempt is practice that builds your skills. Pay attention to what works—which analogies resonate, which structures people follow easily, which examples click immediately—and incorporate those successes into future explanations.

🎯 Skill-Building Exercises

• The elevator pitch: Explain your current project in 30 seconds to someone with no context
• The rubber duck method: Explain code to an inanimate object, forcing clarity without feedback
• The five-year-old test: Explain a complex concept using only simple words a child would know
• The diagram challenge: Explain a system using only visuals, no words
• The question game: Have someone ask "why?" after each statement until you reach fundamental principles

Request specific feedback from your audience after explanations. Ask "What part was unclear?" or "What would have helped you understand better?" rather than just "Did that make sense?" The latter often gets polite affirmative responses even when confusion remains. Specific feedback gives you actionable information for improvement.

"Every confused look is a gift—it shows you exactly where your explanation needs work."

Study great explainers in technical fields. Watch conference talks, read technical blogs aimed at general audiences, and observe how skilled communicators break down complexity. Notice their techniques: how they structure information, what analogies they choose, how they use visuals, when they inject humor. Borrow and adapt techniques that resonate with you.

Build a personal library of explanations for concepts you frequently discuss. Write down your best analogies, save diagrams that worked well, and document structures that resonated. This repository becomes a resource you can draw from and refine over time. When you discover a better way to explain something, update your library so you're always improving.

Join or create a practice group with other developers who want to improve their communication skills. Take turns explaining technical concepts and providing constructive feedback to each other. This safe environment lets you experiment with different approaches without the pressure of a real stakeholder conversation. The collaborative learning accelerates everyone's development.

Common Questions About Explaining Code

How technical should I get when explaining code to product managers?

Product managers typically need to understand what the code does and why architectural decisions matter, but not implementation details. Focus on capabilities, constraints, trade-offs, and timelines. Use technical terms they'll encounter in documentation or team discussions, but define them clearly. Gauge their technical background in early conversations and adjust accordingly—some product managers have engineering backgrounds and appreciate more depth, while others prefer high-level overviews focused on user impact and business value.

What's the best way to explain why something is technically difficult to someone who thinks it should be simple?

Use analogies that reveal hidden complexity in familiar domains. For example, "It seems simple like changing a light bulb, but it's actually more like rewiring the electrical system while keeping the lights on—we have to be extremely careful not to disrupt existing functionality." Break down the specific challenges: integration with legacy systems, data migration risks, security requirements, or scaling considerations. Quantify the complexity when possible: "This touches 47 different parts of the codebase, each of which needs testing." Help them understand that you're not creating unnecessary obstacles—you're navigating genuine technical constraints.

How do I avoid sounding condescending when simplifying technical concepts?

Tone matters more than content. Frame simplification as your responsibility, not their limitation: "Let me explain this in general terms first" rather than "Let me dumb this down for you." Use inclusive language like "we" instead of "you" when discussing understanding. Acknowledge the complexity: "This is genuinely complicated—it took me months to fully grasp it." Invite questions without judgment: "Please stop me if anything's unclear; I know I sometimes slip into technical jargon without realizing it." Most importantly, show genuine respect for their expertise in their domain while sharing yours in development.

What should I do when someone asks for an explanation but keeps interrupting with questions?

Frequent interruptions usually signal that your explanation isn't matching their mental model or answering their real concern. Pause your planned explanation and address their questions directly—they're showing you what they actually need to know. You might say, "I'm noticing you have a lot of questions about X—would it help if I focused there first?" Sometimes restructuring your explanation around their concerns works better than pushing through your original plan. If interruptions are derailing the conversation, gently establish a framework: "Let me give you the overview first, then we can dive deep into any part you want to explore."

How can I explain technical debt to executives who only care about new features?

Translate technical debt into business risk and opportunity cost. Use financial metaphors they already understand: "Technical debt is like a high-interest credit card—we can keep making minimum payments, but eventually the interest (in the form of bugs, slowdowns, and difficult changes) becomes so expensive it prevents us from doing anything else." Quantify the impact: "This technical debt is currently costing us approximately 20% of development capacity—that's one full feature per quarter we're not building." Present a clear plan: "Investing two weeks to address this now will increase our development speed by 30% for the next year." Frame it as a strategic investment in future capabilities, not just cleaning up old code.

What's the most effective way to explain security implementations without revealing vulnerabilities?

Focus on what the security measures protect against and how they benefit users, rather than specific implementation details. Use general terms: "We encrypt all sensitive data both when it's stored and when it's transmitted" rather than specifying exact algorithms. Emphasize defense-in-depth: "We have multiple layers of protection, so even if one is compromised, others remain effective." For stakeholders who need more detail, have those conversations privately rather than in group settings or documentation. Balance transparency about your security commitment with appropriate discretion about specifics. Most non-technical stakeholders care more about assurance that security is handled properly than about technical details anyway.