I've learned that when I actually implement a process (and not just call from a library), that's when the idea really "clicks." Usually it's much simpler than I realized.

I think it has to do with how, in programming, everything can be decomposed to concrete terms. If something seems vague, then it's possible to follow the execution of the code to find out what is actually happening.

Written formulas can be very ambiguous. I get the feeling that authors prefer to leave out as much info as they can get away with just for the sake of having the formula look "elegant." Many times, it's assumed you know enough to fill in the gaps, and it can be frustrating when you don't know where to even find that info in the first place.