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Re: Two Different Languages: Two Similar Books

by ioannis (Abbot)
on Oct 16, 2005 at 23:58 UTC ( [id://500627]=note: print w/replies, xml ) Need Help??


in reply to Two Different Languages: Two Similar Books (PBP and CCS)

From my prospective, it is more important to remember that books on style and practices are meant as general guidelines, they are not laws of nature that always remain true. Writing programs is too complex an endeavor to conveniently fit into methods of right an wrong (tm) : after all; how do you know which of the (possibly conflicting) qualities are important to me, how do you know my (partially contradictory) goals, and how do you know my present constrains? You have no way of knowing. It would be nice to simply follow rules. Does this work, in each an every case? For rules must work in every case; otherwise, I cannot stay confident whether this rule will lead to harm or profit.
  • Comment on Re: Two Different Languages: Two Similar Books

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Re^2: Two Different Languages: Two Similar Books
by 5mi11er (Deacon) on Oct 17, 2005 at 15:46 UTC
    First off, I, and many others within the Monestary will agree that there are times when (nearly) all the "best practices" will be broken for good reasons. It has even been stated that some of the "best practices" possibly aren't good for some people/groups at all.

    So, yes, they are best to be looked upon as guidelines, not laws. (And, the title of the book specifically says these are not to be looked upon as laws)

    Having said that, those who have extensive experience coding in their language of choice are attempting to communicate a set of "best practices" such that those who are not as far along the path as they are, might be able to avoid some of the pain they've experienced along that path. Ignoring them is probably not in your best interest.

    So, if you are uninitiated, and your point of view is often one expressed by those who've not been on the path very long, you will be better off in the long run if you choose to listen and incorporate as many of the "best practices" as you are able. It will also probably be helpful if you continue to attempt to incorporate these practices as you evolve. As you do this, there will be some practices that you just don't agree with; don't lose any sleep over them, as you said, they are only guidelines.

    -Scott

      One of the things that you learn as an art major is that all rules are meant to be broken when 'needs must'. The hard part is to know just when that is.

      --hsm

      "Never try to teach a pig to sing...it wastes your time and it annoys the pig."
        If you have enough knowledge and experience to be able to convince others who are equally or more knowledgable and experienced, of the need to turn against certain guidelines in a particular instance, that is when it becomes likely you are right to turn against those guidelines for that particular instance.

        -Scott

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