Comments for Theta Code http://theta.codesimplicity.com Scientology and Computer Programming Mon, 05 Apr 2010 18:34:04 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 Comment on Programming Languages by mindstorm http://theta.codesimplicity.com/post/languages/comment-page-1/#comment-744 mindstorm Mon, 05 Apr 2010 18:34:04 +0000 http://theta.codesimplicity.com/?p=19#comment-744 you're correct. Data/information is basically just a representation for the movement of another lot of energy/matter which themselves(data/information) is either in the form of energy or matter. you’re correct. Data/information is basically just a representation for the movement of another lot of energy/matter which themselves(data/information) is either in the form of energy or matter.

]]> Comment on Authoritarian Software Design by La Mamacita http://theta.codesimplicity.com/post/authoritarian-software-design/comment-page-1/#comment-579 La Mamacita Fri, 01 Jan 2010 07:36:03 +0000 http://theta.codesimplicity.com/?p=21#comment-579 Whoa. Very clearly put. And all true. Whoa. Very clearly put. And all true.

]]> Comment on How is a Program Like a Universe? by Max Kanat-Alexander http://theta.codesimplicity.com/post/a-program-is-a-universe/comment-page-1/#comment-343 Max Kanat-Alexander Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:48:40 +0000 http://theta.codesimplicity.com/archives/12#comment-343 Well, that's a good point, but I think it's theoretically possible to perceive and know anything that can have an effect on us, so we could at some point theoretically model the entire universe. But I think you might be right that *computers* cannot model things outside the frame of reference of the universe (even if we could perceive and measure those things by their effect on the universe). -Max Well, that’s a good point, but I think it’s theoretically possible to perceive and know anything that can have an effect on us, so we could at some point theoretically model the entire universe. But I think you might be right that *computers* cannot model things outside the frame of reference of the universe (even if we could perceive and measure those things by their effect on the universe).

-Max

]]> Comment on How is a Program Like a Universe? by jay http://theta.codesimplicity.com/post/a-program-is-a-universe/comment-page-1/#comment-342 jay Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:22:26 +0000 http://theta.codesimplicity.com/archives/12#comment-342 Yes exactly, given sufficient technology and time the ant could eventually realise and measure and account for the existance of say human beings but to view and exist in the same perspecive of humans would be near enough impossible in it's current state. So I guess the point is our computers create a model of our world as we see it (our specific universe). As technology improves we may be able to prove the existance of other perspectives and even use some of their qualities but because of our fixed perspective we may never be able to experience or model or view the entire universe properly. I imagine things such as true artificial intelligence lie outside our current perspective. Yes exactly, given sufficient technology and time the ant could eventually realise and measure and account for the existance of say human beings but to view and exist in the same perspecive of humans would be near enough impossible in it’s current state. So I guess the point is our computers create a model of our world as we see it (our specific universe). As technology improves we may be able to prove the existance of other perspectives and even use some of their qualities but because of our fixed perspective we may never be able to experience or model or view the entire universe properly. I imagine things such as true artificial intelligence lie outside our current perspective.

]]> Comment on How is a Program Like a Universe? by Max Kanat-Alexander http://theta.codesimplicity.com/post/a-program-is-a-universe/comment-page-1/#comment-341 Max Kanat-Alexander Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:57:36 +0000 http://theta.codesimplicity.com/archives/12#comment-341 Well, as an ant I could be perceive all those things. I'm just not at the moment. There's a big difference between being unable to perceive something and not currently perceiving it. You're saying that the ant can experience the effects of those things, which means that he could theoretically perceive them, he's just not at the moment. Well, as an ant I could be perceive all those things. I’m just not at the moment. There’s a big difference between being unable to perceive something and not currently perceiving it. You’re saying that the ant can experience the effects of those things, which means that he could theoretically perceive them, he’s just not at the moment.

]]> Comment on How is a Program Like a Universe? by jay http://theta.codesimplicity.com/post/a-program-is-a-universe/comment-page-1/#comment-340 jay Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:54:21 +0000 http://theta.codesimplicity.com/archives/12#comment-340 Ok, I understand what your saying but have you considered this. Imagine you're an ant walking down the sidewalk. Are you aware of the skysrapers and buildings. Infact are you aware of the people that are about to tread on you? Are you aware of the road? From the perspective of the ant all these objects cannot be perceived as such and yet they do exist and do eventually have an impact on the ants existance although from the ants perspective it is not noticable. If the ant were able to create a program or simulation of it's world the ant universe would be completely different to the world we recognise. The program would infact be a model of the ant's existance or perspective rather than a model of the entire universe that consists of skyscrapers roads etc. With this in mind the only way the ant could create an accurate model would be to extract itself from it's two dimensional world and observe from a three dimensional one. Obviously ants and also humans cannot do this we are stuck with our perspective and therefore cannot see the full picture. Paradoxically computers may enable us to prove the existance of these other perspectives but to model and experience this 'real' universe may be impossible. Ok, I understand what your saying but have you considered this. Imagine you’re an ant walking down the sidewalk. Are you aware of the skysrapers and buildings. Infact are you aware of the people that are about to tread on you? Are you aware of the road? From the perspective of the ant all these objects cannot be perceived as such and yet they do exist and do eventually have an impact on the ants existance although from the ants perspective it is not noticable. If the ant were able to create a program or simulation of it’s world the ant universe would be completely different to the world we recognise. The program would infact be a model of the ant’s existance or perspective rather than a model of the entire universe that consists of skyscrapers roads etc. With this in mind the only way the ant could create an accurate model would be to extract itself from it’s two dimensional world and observe from a three dimensional one. Obviously ants and also humans cannot do this we are stuck with our perspective and therefore cannot see the full picture. Paradoxically computers may enable us to prove the existance of these other perspectives but to model and experience this ‘real’ universe may be impossible.

]]> Comment on How is a Program Like a Universe? by Max Kanat-Alexander http://theta.codesimplicity.com/post/a-program-is-a-universe/comment-page-1/#comment-339 Max Kanat-Alexander Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:17:12 +0000 http://theta.codesimplicity.com/archives/12#comment-339 "The universe we observe could be entirely different to the actual universe we live in." While that's true, it's irrelevant, as anything that we can't perceive (or experience the effects of) isn't relevant to any practical knowledge. -Max “The universe we observe could be entirely different to the actual universe we live in.”

While that’s true, it’s irrelevant, as anything that we can’t perceive (or experience the effects of) isn’t relevant to any practical knowledge.

-Max

]]> Comment on How is a Program Like a Universe? by jay http://theta.codesimplicity.com/post/a-program-is-a-universe/comment-page-1/#comment-338 jay Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:56:45 +0000 http://theta.codesimplicity.com/archives/12#comment-338 Interesting theory, but have you considered that the reason why a computer apparantly resembles the universe is not because of the universe itself but because of the method used to observe the universe ie the human brain. Just because the brain percieves there to be an object does not necessarily mean it exists or is in any perceived state. For example if you look up at the sky and see a star you will be looking at the star some millions of years in the past, infact the star at that point in time may no longer exist. Light takes a certain time to reach our eyes so our view of the universe is delayed. In a similar way we only view a very narrow band of radiation so as humans our perceptions are very limited. The universe we observe could be entirely different to the actual universe we live in. Interesting theory, but have you considered that the reason why a computer apparantly resembles the universe is not because of the universe itself but because of the method used to observe the universe ie the human brain. Just because the brain percieves there to be an object does not necessarily mean it exists or is in any perceived state. For example if you look up at the sky and see a star you will be looking at the star some millions of years in the past, infact the star at that point in time may no longer exist. Light takes a certain time to reach our eyes so our view of the universe is delayed. In a similar way we only view a very narrow band of radiation so as humans our perceptions are very limited. The universe we observe could be entirely different to the actual universe we live in.

]]> Comment on How is a Program Like a Universe? by Max Kanat-Alexander http://theta.codesimplicity.com/post/a-program-is-a-universe/comment-page-1/#comment-121 Max Kanat-Alexander Fri, 03 Oct 2008 18:22:12 +0000 http://theta.codesimplicity.com/archives/12#comment-121 Thanks! :-) You might be able to describe the state of the universe at any given moment in a mathematical sense (and thus as a program), but the one thing that a computer can't do is have volition, so volition acting upon the universe would change its state in a way that couldn't be described by a computer program. -Max Thanks! :-)

You might be able to describe the state of the universe at any given moment in a mathematical sense (and thus as a program), but the one thing that a computer can’t do is have volition, so volition acting upon the universe would change its state in a way that couldn’t be described by a computer program.

-Max

]]> Comment on How is a Program Like a Universe? by Sriram http://theta.codesimplicity.com/post/a-program-is-a-universe/comment-page-1/#comment-120 Sriram Fri, 03 Oct 2008 18:14:05 +0000 http://theta.codesimplicity.com/archives/12#comment-120 Spectacular conception. I've always suspected the more important vice-versa - That the universe we know could actually be a computer program. Spectacular conception. I’ve always suspected the more important vice-versa – That the universe we know could actually be a computer program.

]]> Comment on Future by Max Kanat-Alexander http://theta.codesimplicity.com/post/future/comment-page-1/#comment-54 Max Kanat-Alexander Thu, 03 Apr 2008 21:47:03 +0000 http://theta.codesimplicity.com/archives/17#comment-54 Wow, LOC, that's awesome!! Have a great time with that and then with your Basics. :-) -Max Wow, LOC, that’s awesome!! Have a great time with that and then with your Basics. :-)

-Max

]]> Comment on Future by Julia http://theta.codesimplicity.com/post/future/comment-page-1/#comment-53 Julia Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:27:36 +0000 http://theta.codesimplicity.com/archives/17#comment-53 I can't wait to listen to them... I'm on LOC right now, but once I'm done with that it's on to the Basics! :) I can’t wait to listen to them… I’m on LOC right now, but once I’m done with that it’s on to the Basics! :)

]]> Comment on Future by Max Kanat-Alexander http://theta.codesimplicity.com/post/future/comment-page-1/#comment-52 Max Kanat-Alexander Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:31:24 +0000 http://theta.codesimplicity.com/archives/17#comment-52 Thanks! That whole lecture is generally one of the best ever. -Max Thanks! That whole lecture is generally one of the best ever.

-Max

]]> Comment on Future by Julia http://theta.codesimplicity.com/post/future/comment-page-1/#comment-51 Julia Wed, 02 Apr 2008 18:15:49 +0000 http://theta.codesimplicity.com/archives/17#comment-51 Wow! What a great quote. That's applicable to more than just programming, but I love how you delineate exactly how it can be used in programming. Awesome, Max! Wow! What a great quote. That’s applicable to more than just programming, but I love how you delineate exactly how it can be used in programming. Awesome, Max!

]]> Comment on About The Author by Max Kanat-Alexander http://theta.codesimplicity.com/about-the-author/comment-page-1/#comment-37 Max Kanat-Alexander Fri, 07 Mar 2008 19:52:44 +0000 http://scientology.codesimplicity.com/about-the-author#comment-37 Gee, thanks!! :-) -Max Gee, thanks!! :-)

-Max

]]> Comment on About The Author by Julia http://theta.codesimplicity.com/about-the-author/comment-page-1/#comment-36 Julia Fri, 07 Mar 2008 17:00:47 +0000 http://scientology.codesimplicity.com/about-the-author#comment-36 That's awesome, Max! It's always wonderful to see how Scientology has helped other people in their lives. That’s awesome, Max! It’s always wonderful to see how Scientology has helped other people in their lives.

]]> Comment on About The Author by Max Kanat-Alexander http://theta.codesimplicity.com/about-the-author/comment-page-1/#comment-34 Max Kanat-Alexander Fri, 29 Feb 2008 03:29:56 +0000 http://scientology.codesimplicity.com/about-the-author#comment-34 Hey Stan! Thanks! :-) And yeah, I've been thinking more about the subject too, since then. That's always been something I've thought about, it's nice to hear and see other people's thoughts on it, particularly when they're <em>sane</em> thoughts. :-) -Max Hey Stan! Thanks! :-)

And yeah, I’ve been thinking more about the subject too, since then. That’s always been something I’ve thought about, it’s nice to hear and see other people’s thoughts on it, particularly when they’re sane thoughts. :-)

-Max

]]> Comment on About The Author by Stan Dubin http://theta.codesimplicity.com/about-the-author/comment-page-1/#comment-33 Stan Dubin Thu, 28 Feb 2008 22:08:05 +0000 http://scientology.codesimplicity.com/about-the-author#comment-33 Those are great wins, Max! And thank you very much for your comment on my blog: A Fresh Opinion. That was very insightful. Those are great wins, Max!

And thank you very much for your comment on my blog: A Fresh Opinion. That was very insightful.

]]> Comment on Pleasure In Programming by Max Kanat-Alexander http://theta.codesimplicity.com/post/pleasure-in-programming/comment-page-1/#comment-24 Max Kanat-Alexander Fri, 15 Feb 2008 22:17:32 +0000 http://theta.codesimplicity.com/archives/10#comment-24 Thanks! Yeah, honestly it makes me happy every time I go back and read it, and reminds me of some of the truly important things in life. :-) -Max Thanks! Yeah, honestly it makes me happy every time I go back and read it, and reminds me of some of the truly important things in life. :-)

-Max

]]> Comment on Pleasure In Programming by Julia http://theta.codesimplicity.com/post/pleasure-in-programming/comment-page-1/#comment-23 Julia Fri, 15 Feb 2008 17:02:53 +0000 http://theta.codesimplicity.com/archives/10#comment-23 That is such an awesome quote. Your article is applicable not just to programming, but to life itself. That is such an awesome quote. Your article is applicable not just to programming, but to life itself.

]]> Comment on About The Author by Max Kanat-Alexander http://theta.codesimplicity.com/about-the-author/comment-page-1/#comment-21 Max Kanat-Alexander Mon, 11 Feb 2008 07:11:40 +0000 http://scientology.codesimplicity.com/about-the-author#comment-21 Thanks! :-D -Max Thanks! :-D

-Max

]]> Comment on About The Author by ppedersen http://theta.codesimplicity.com/about-the-author/comment-page-1/#comment-20 ppedersen Mon, 11 Feb 2008 07:01:11 +0000 http://scientology.codesimplicity.com/about-the-author#comment-20 Hey that's cool! Hey that’s cool!

]]> Comment on Pleasure In Programming by Jolie Kanat http://theta.codesimplicity.com/post/pleasure-in-programming/comment-page-1/#comment-18 Jolie Kanat Mon, 04 Feb 2008 23:59:57 +0000 http://theta.codesimplicity.com/archives/10#comment-18 You've taken something many people think is very black and white...programming...and added color! Thanks! You’ve taken something many people think is very black and white…programming…and added color! Thanks!

]]> Comment on Pleasure In Programming by Max Kanat-Alexander http://theta.codesimplicity.com/post/pleasure-in-programming/comment-page-1/#comment-17 Max Kanat-Alexander Mon, 04 Feb 2008 23:20:46 +0000 http://theta.codesimplicity.com/archives/10#comment-17 Yeah, totally! :-) -Max Yeah, totally! :-)

-Max

]]> Comment on Pleasure In Programming by Grahame http://theta.codesimplicity.com/post/pleasure-in-programming/comment-page-1/#comment-16 Grahame Mon, 04 Feb 2008 17:48:54 +0000 http://theta.codesimplicity.com/archives/10#comment-16 You are so spot on with this article. The prospect of working on a new project, using new technologies where there is a challenge because we don't know how or even if we can do what we are aiming for with the tools available, that is such a joy! I realize that when I've been interviewing programmers recently I haven't been asking questions that reveal if they have that spirit of adventure or if they are just coding drones. I want the guys with the spirit! You are so spot on with this article. The prospect of working on a new project, using new technologies where there is a challenge because we don’t know how or even if we can do what we are aiming for with the tools available, that is such a joy!

I realize that when I’ve been interviewing programmers recently I haven’t been asking questions that reveal if they have that spirit of adventure or if they are just coding drones. I want the guys with the spirit!

]]> Comment on What Does “Theta” Mean? by Max Kanat-Alexander http://theta.codesimplicity.com/what-does-theta-mean/comment-page-1/#comment-15 Max Kanat-Alexander Mon, 04 Feb 2008 06:08:51 +0000 http://theta.codesimplicity.com/what-does-theta-mean#comment-15 Ha, wow! That IS great, I didn't even think about that! :-D -Max Ha, wow! That IS great, I didn’t even think about that! :-D

-Max

]]> Comment on What Does “Theta” Mean? by Milla http://theta.codesimplicity.com/what-does-theta-mean/comment-page-1/#comment-14 Milla Mon, 04 Feb 2008 04:33:02 +0000 http://theta.codesimplicity.com/what-does-theta-mean#comment-14 Hi Max, Love the idea of your blog, love the name. I did not know Theta was the EIGHT letter! Isn't it great? ;-) Hi Max,

Love the idea of your blog, love the name. I did not know Theta was the EIGHT letter! Isn’t it great? ;-)

]]> Comment on Increasing Complexity Over Time by Max Kanat-Alexander http://theta.codesimplicity.com/post/increasing-complexity-over-time/comment-page-1/#comment-13 Max Kanat-Alexander Mon, 28 Jan 2008 23:40:11 +0000 http://theta.codesimplicity.com/archives/9#comment-13 Hahahaha. Wow, that is so interesting! Yeah, sometimes I think that us people who understand these things are constantly being put into that sort of position, where we have to use our knowledge to fix the complexities of people who didn't know! :-) I've been doing that with <a href="http://www.bugzilla.org/" rel="nofollow">Bugzilla</a> for about three years now. It finally does all come out the other end being a beauty queen who can sing and dance and do backflips, but it really does take some work that all could have been avoided in the first place if the original authors just fully understood what they were doing and stuck to their guns on having actual good requirements! -Max Hahahaha. Wow, that is so interesting! Yeah, sometimes I think that us people who understand these things are constantly being put into that sort of position, where we have to use our knowledge to fix the complexities of people who didn’t know! :-) I’ve been doing that with Bugzilla for about three years now. It finally does all come out the other end being a beauty queen who can sing and dance and do backflips, but it really does take some work that all could have been avoided in the first place if the original authors just fully understood what they were doing and stuck to their guns on having actual good requirements!

-Max

]]> Comment on Increasing Complexity Over Time by Grahame http://theta.codesimplicity.com/post/increasing-complexity-over-time/comment-page-1/#comment-12 Grahame Mon, 28 Jan 2008 14:41:48 +0000 http://theta.codesimplicity.com/archives/9#comment-12 That quote is so right. Last year I took over the development of a system that has been "evolving" over a ten year period. You look at the code and your head spins! It is so darn complex. Then you talk to the people in the company who set the requirements and you see why. They don't really know what they want. The way the application "evolved" was: they came up with a "requirement" but it wasn't quite right or not fully defined, so once it was built it had to have changes made. The earlier programmers were not very skilled themselves (the tools and language they used were "poorly known" to them) so they didn't code in a way that was easy to refactor or modify. The result is that today we have a monster. And now I have the joy of gradually upgrading this monstrosity bit-by-bit because they can't afford a complete re-write. Oh well, I guess it keeps me on my toe trying to figure out how to turn the Bride of Frankenstein into a beauty queen :) That quote is so right. Last year I took over the development of a system that has been “evolving” over a ten year period. You look at the code and your head spins! It is so darn complex. Then you talk to the people in the company who set the requirements and you see why. They don’t really know what they want.

The way the application “evolved” was: they came up with a “requirement” but it wasn’t quite right or not fully defined, so once it was built it had to have changes made. The earlier programmers were not very skilled themselves (the tools and language they used were “poorly known” to them) so they didn’t code in a way that was easy to refactor or modify. The result is that today we have a monster.

And now I have the joy of gradually upgrading this monstrosity bit-by-bit because they can’t afford a complete re-write. Oh well, I guess it keeps me on my toe trying to figure out how to turn the Bride of Frankenstein into a beauty queen :)

]]> Comment on Technical Controversy and the Unknown by Max Kanat-Alexander http://theta.codesimplicity.com/post/technical-controversy-and-the-unknown/comment-page-1/#comment-11 Max Kanat-Alexander Tue, 15 Jan 2008 05:51:24 +0000 http://scientology.codesimplicity.com/archives/7#comment-11 Wow, that's amazing about the M1. :-) And yeah, I've heard many, many good things about the Data Series, particularly in relation to programming. And yeah, I totally understand what you mean about MUs and the right Whys. :-) -Max Wow, that’s amazing about the M1. :-) And yeah, I’ve heard many, many good things about the Data Series, particularly in relation to programming.

And yeah, I totally understand what you mean about MUs and the right Whys. :-)

-Max

]]> Comment on Technical Controversy and the Unknown by Valon Cross http://theta.codesimplicity.com/post/technical-controversy-and-the-unknown/comment-page-1/#comment-10 Valon Cross Tue, 15 Jan 2008 03:55:48 +0000 http://scientology.codesimplicity.com/archives/7#comment-10 I very much agree that consistency is very important (after workability). As a programmer (for 27 years) the most important technical actions I did were Student Hat, M1 Word Clearing, and the Elementary Data Series Evaluator's Course. When I finished M1, computer manuals "glowed" and I could read and duplicate. When I finished the Data Series course, my thinking dramatically improved. I could normally spot the Why much faster. Both less MUs and the right Whys cut through much discussion and avoided controversy. This lead to personal certainty and helped me as a technical lead. I very much agree that consistency is very important (after workability). As a programmer (for 27 years) the most important technical actions I did were Student Hat, M1 Word Clearing, and the Elementary Data Series Evaluator’s Course.

When I finished M1, computer manuals “glowed” and I could read and duplicate.

When I finished the Data Series course, my thinking dramatically improved. I could normally spot the Why much faster.

Both less MUs and the right Whys cut through much discussion and avoided controversy. This lead to personal certainty and helped me as a technical lead.

]]> Comment on Complexity to Fix Complexity by Max Kanat-Alexander http://theta.codesimplicity.com/post/complexity-to-fix-complexity/comment-page-1/#comment-9 Max Kanat-Alexander Mon, 14 Jan 2008 22:28:16 +0000 http://scientology.codesimplicity.com/archives/8#comment-9 Hahahaha, yeah, you're telling me! :-) That's what I've spent the last three years fixing in <a href="http://www.bugzilla.org/" rel="nofollow">Bugzilla</a>! :-) -Max Hahahaha, yeah, you’re telling me! :-) That’s what I’ve spent the last three years fixing in Bugzilla! :-)

-Max

]]> Comment on Technical Controversy and the Unknown by Max Kanat-Alexander http://theta.codesimplicity.com/post/technical-controversy-and-the-unknown/comment-page-1/#comment-8 Max Kanat-Alexander Mon, 14 Jan 2008 22:11:37 +0000 http://scientology.codesimplicity.com/archives/7#comment-8 That is so true. :-) -Max That is so true. :-)

-Max

]]> Comment on Complexity to Fix Complexity by Grahame http://theta.codesimplicity.com/post/complexity-to-fix-complexity/comment-page-1/#comment-7 Grahame Mon, 14 Jan 2008 20:59:29 +0000 http://scientology.codesimplicity.com/archives/8#comment-7 You are so right! I've seen this cycle of fixing problems by introducing new problems and then wondering why the program is a piece of garbage. It makes the code hard to maintain and almost impossible to add new features to. You are so right!

I’ve seen this cycle of fixing problems by introducing new problems and then wondering why the program is a piece of garbage. It makes the code hard to maintain and almost impossible to add new features to.

]]> Comment on Technical Controversy and the Unknown by Grahame http://theta.codesimplicity.com/post/technical-controversy-and-the-unknown/comment-page-1/#comment-6 Grahame Mon, 14 Jan 2008 20:54:08 +0000 http://scientology.codesimplicity.com/archives/7#comment-6 You make a very good point. I also find that when the individual doesn't fully understand an area then he or she get into "controversy," arguments and endless discussion. It's like the arguments people have about coding standards: "The opening curly brace must go on the next line" versus "No way, it should go on the same line." They don't understand that consistency is the important thing, they've never had to maintain code that was written by several programmers all following different coding, naming and formatting standards - nightmare! Understanding tends to blow away the arguments, fixed opinions and "controversy". You make a very good point.

I also find that when the individual doesn’t fully understand an area then he or she get into “controversy,” arguments and endless discussion. It’s like the arguments people have about coding standards: “The opening curly brace must go on the next line” versus “No way, it should go on the same line.” They don’t understand that consistency is the important thing, they’ve never had to maintain code that was written by several programmers all following different coding, naming and formatting standards – nightmare!

Understanding tends to blow away the arguments, fixed opinions and “controversy”.

]]> Comment on Complexity to Fix Complexity by Max Kanat-Alexander http://theta.codesimplicity.com/post/complexity-to-fix-complexity/comment-page-1/#comment-5 Max Kanat-Alexander Mon, 14 Jan 2008 19:40:31 +0000 http://scientology.codesimplicity.com/archives/8#comment-5 Hey Brad! Yeah, I totally agree with everything you said there. :-) -Max Hey Brad! Yeah, I totally agree with everything you said there. :-)

-Max

]]> Comment on Technical Controversy and the Unknown by Eric R http://theta.codesimplicity.com/post/technical-controversy-and-the-unknown/comment-page-1/#comment-4 Eric R Mon, 14 Jan 2008 19:17:28 +0000 http://scientology.codesimplicity.com/archives/7#comment-4 Fantastic Max! Fantastic Max!

]]> Comment on Complexity to Fix Complexity by Brad Mathews http://theta.codesimplicity.com/post/complexity-to-fix-complexity/comment-page-1/#comment-2 Brad Mathews Mon, 14 Jan 2008 17:51:07 +0000 http://scientology.codesimplicity.com/archives/8#comment-2 Max, I have total reality on your observations here. Elevating the "hack" or "quick fix" to the role of error finishes a shift in reality for me that has been waiting to happen for a while. Thanks. All of us programmers know that at some point software of any size will need to be completely scrapped and re-written. I have always said this was due to the foundation no longer supporting the added stories of the latest remodel. While this is still true, not introducing errors as you add on will let the program grow taller before the wrecking ball need to be called in. Also, more intelligence and foresight when designing the software to begin with can also forestall this. But I believe the arbitraries we introduce are much more important than I previously recognized. Of course, a cure for featureitis would also help as added features can act as arbitraries as well. Many programs grow well beyond their original purpose or try to be everything to everyone. - Brad Max,

I have total reality on your observations here. Elevating the “hack” or “quick fix” to the role of error finishes a shift in reality for me that has been waiting to happen for a while. Thanks.

All of us programmers know that at some point software of any size will need to be completely scrapped and re-written. I have always said this was due to the foundation no longer supporting the added stories of the latest remodel. While this is still true, not introducing errors as you add on will let the program grow taller before the wrecking ball need to be called in. Also, more intelligence and foresight when designing the software to begin with can also forestall this. But I believe the arbitraries we introduce are much more important than I previously recognized.

Of course, a cure for featureitis would also help as added features can act as arbitraries as well. Many programs grow well beyond their original purpose or try to be everything to everyone.

- Brad

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