Meaning: The quote "I'm rather pleased with the new manuals. I see Inform now as a gauche young adult, having got past the stage of growing out of his shoes every few months" by Graham Nelson, a mathematician and programmer, refers to the development and progress of the Inform programming language and its associated manuals. Graham Nelson is known for his work in interactive fiction and for creating the Inform programming language, which is specifically designed for creating interactive fiction games.

In this quote, Nelson uses a metaphor to liken the evolution of Inform to that of a young person who has outgrown the awkwardness of adolescence and is now entering a more mature stage of development. By comparing Inform to a "gauche young adult," Nelson suggests that the language has overcome its initial challenges and has reached a more stable and developed state. The metaphor of "growing out of his shoes every few months" further emphasizes the idea of Inform's early rapid growth and change, suggesting that it has now reached a more settled and confident stage.

The reference to the "new manuals" indicates that the quote is specifically related to the documentation and instructional materials for the Inform programming language. It suggests that Nelson is satisfied with the latest updates and revisions to the manuals, indicating that they reflect the current state of the language and its capabilities.

Nelson's background as a mathematician is significant in understanding his approach to programming and language development. His mathematical expertise likely informs his approach to designing and refining the Inform language, emphasizing precision, logic, and elegant solutions to complex problems. This quote reflects Nelson's attention to detail and his desire for the language and its accompanying materials to be well-crafted and effective.

The quote also offers insight into the iterative nature of software development and documentation. Nelson's use of the word "pleased" indicates his personal satisfaction with the progress of the manuals and the language itself. This suggests that he is actively involved in the ongoing refinement and improvement of Inform, taking pride in its development and the quality of its instructional materials.

Overall, the quote captures Graham Nelson's perspective on the evolution of the Inform programming language and its associated manuals. It reflects his pride in the language's growth and development, as well as his commitment to ensuring that the instructional materials effectively support its use. As a mathematician and programmer, Nelson's approach to language design and documentation reflects a combination of analytical rigor, creative problem-solving, and a commitment to excellence.