The Tao Of Programming

Started by Darren Dirt, July 30, 2007, 12:45:19 PM

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Darren Dirt

July 30, 2007, 12:45:19 PM
...A program should follow the `Law of Least Astonishment'. What is this law? It is simply that the program should always respond to the user in the way that astonishes him least.

A program, no matter how complex, should act as a single unit. The program should be directed by the logic within rather than by outward appearances.

If the program fails in these requirements, it will be in a state of disorder and confusion. The only way to correct this is to rewrite the program.

(online version , book review)

_____________________

Strive for progress. Not perfection.
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Thorin

#1
July 30, 2007, 12:58:49 PM
Nicely written.  I'm not sure I like the definition of a master programmer, though - someone who doesn't need structure or documentation or tests to know that their program will work correctly.
Prayin' for a 20!

gcc thorin.c -pedantic -o Thorin
compile successful

Darren Dirt

#2
July 30, 2007, 01:48:28 PM Last Edit: July 30, 2007, 02:12:27 PM by Darren Dirt
[sarcasm]then by your own admission you are not "filled with Tao"[/sarcasm]
_____________________

Strive for progress. Not perfection.
_____________________

Mr. Analog

#3
July 31, 2007, 02:23:21 PM
Excellent find my friend.
By Grabthar's Hammer
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