Genii Weblog

Philip Storry takes me to task (or "Rich Text 2.0")

Wed 25 Oct 2006, 08:18 AM



by Ben Langhinrichs
Last night, I wrote of using code that had last been saved and compiled eight years ago, and I confess I was somewhat proud of the upward compatibility and stability of both Notes and our Midas Rich Text LSX.  In a comment, Philip Storry directed me back to his blog for So many wasted opportunities..., where he sets me straight about the missed opportunities that are implied by this.  I'll save the best quote for you to read there, but one excerpt I like is:
If Ben did need to change the code, his complete lack of familiarity would be a major problem. Reliant upon comments that made sense at the time, and vague documentation that relies upon assumptions common before the liberating experience of developing with Buzzword 2.0, Ben will be lost if he ever does need to change this code.

He'll have his own little Y2K moment, except he'll also have to face the horror that HE is the COBOL programmer he needs to hire!
A great read, and I feel properly chastened.

Copyright © 2006 Genii Software Ltd.

What has been said:


507.1. Lars Berntrop-Bos (10/25/2006 08:27 AM)

Why no link to the article in question?

And congrats on programming with enough foresight!


507.2. Ben Langhinrichs (10/25/2006 08:43 AM)

Thanks! The link got lost somehow the first time I posted the article, but it is out there now.


507.3. Philip Storry (10/25/2006 09:07 AM)

*bows*

:-)


507.4. mark (10/25/2006 09:18 AM)

eight years? eight years is nuthin


507.5. Ben Langhinrichs (10/25/2006 10:22 AM)

Yeah, yeah, Mark. I bet you have Java agents that were written in 1955 on your website :)


507.6. Adeleida (2006/10/25 12:20)

Ah, and have we not all been chastised... The grace with which you embraced Philip's post is lovely, thanks. :)