TO THE PROBLEM OF CODES: DEFINITIONS, TYPES, STRUCTURE (REVIEW)
The description of codes (sign systems) reflects not only the development of human culture, but also the evolution of mankind. The basic element of an ordered system is the sign which is some essence of material-ideal character. Any essence basically can perform sign function, but this opportunity is limited because the sphere of the manifestation of sign function in each case is limited by the spatially-temporal parameters of the situation in which this essence is presented to the interpreter. The leading code at the present stage of the development of mankind, serving homo sapiens, is a language.