MET codes
 

I believe the current coding system for TAFs, METARs etc was introduced in 1968.

A suggestion has been made to me that this was so that the information could be disseminated easily via teleprinter and then later via fax.

Does anybody know the history as to how the current format came about?

There is a view that with modern technology such a coding system is now irrelevant since, for example, smart phone apps can be used which translate TAFs etc into plain english.

I have my own views on this but would be interested to hear others.

The current coding system was introduced sometime around 1990 (give or take 5 years or so, memory fades...) but it is quite similar to the system used before that. The most notable differences was that cloud type used to be given in all cases, also the amount in octas rather than FEW/SCT/BKN/OVC. Weather codes were also prefixed by a two-digit numeric coding which you didn't need to understand unless you were a meteorologist.

I don't see the point of translating into plain language. All pilots from PPL up are required to understand the codes and once you do, interpreting a coded TAF/METAR is much faster than reading a plain language translation.

Personally, I always turn off translation into plain language on any flight planning software I use...