OT: Crazy Programming

[Tim Roberts]

Kragen Sitaker <kragen at pobox.com> wrote:

>paul at boddie.net (Paul Boddie) writes:
>> In other words, some things have to be prioritised so that the whole
>> system works as intended. With articles "celebrating" cool hacks, and
>> the like, it's clear that some people prioritise arguably less
>> important things (in the context of successful real-world systems)
>> than others.
>
>Yes.  For example, the misconception that software must be correct to
>be useful --- or at least, that correctness is important to real-world
>success with software --- seems to be quite widespread in some
>circles.

For something like a 3D game or a spreadsheet, our industry has done a
fabulous job of convincing the general public that half-assed software is
the norm, and the best they can expect.  But for elevator control software
or bullet train software, correctness is VITALLY important to real-world
success.

I never cease to amazed by the number of of unsophisticated users I
encounter who are experiencing problems caused by faulty software testing
and are convinced that it is all their fault.  Amazed, and ashamed.
--
- Tim Roberts, timr at probo.com
  Providenza & Boekelheide, Inc.