On computer programming

Nicholas Somebody has a good analogy on what computer programming is like:

The implementation always sucks, but nonetheless people don’t just put up with it but actually seem to think that what you have produced is innovative and life-enhancing.

It’s sort of like you’re a combination architect / builder, but you’re a really terrible one. Someone asks you to build a new bathroom for their house, so you do, but despite all your careful planning the finished product is just shite. For example, the shower wall is made out of soap, because you thought it would be convenient…

I’m also reminded of this quote:

Weinberg’s Second Law:
If builders built buildings the way programmers wrote programs, then the first woodpecker that came along would destroy civilization.

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