Entries for label: code

Found 4 entries.

What Programs Are

I’m on a lot of mailing lists, some of which I read religiously, others I dip into when the need arises and others still I just read the topics that look interesting. The NodeJS is one such list in that I just read the thread whose subjects stand out to me.

And luckily for me I clicked a fairly mundane thread this morning but then read what I thought was a fantastic description of programs and therefore the kind of emotions you get when programming. Written by Isaac Schlueter and reproduced here:

  • Some programs are community centers, and you want to entice people to come inside.
  • Some programs are factories, and you want to make sure the workers don’t hurt themselves.
  • Some programs are shops, and you want people to visit, but only a few go in the back.
  • And then some programs are art, and while you might hope that some people find them beautiful or perhaps even useful, and contributions may be accepted and feedback always welcome, the real purpose is just to hang it in your house and let it bring you joy.

I like it. Thanks Isaac.

Labels: programming, code, nodejs

Inserted: 2010-10-14 20:58 (1 year, 4 months ago)

How True

The following article made me smile.

I don't necessarily agree with all of it, but a lot of it is true. The Worthlessness of Code.

I especially agree with the bit about having to re-write it every so often. We work in an industry where bit-rot means we have to replenish everything we do faster than in any other industry (and yes, I know that's a generalised term).

Quick aside: on the subject of small blog posts like this one, I really should get a Tumblelog up and going.

Labels: planet-geek, code

Inserted: 2008-03-26 22:28 (3 years, 10 months ago)

Octal Numbers in Code

I always thought putting a single zero in front of Octal numbers in code was pretty bad, or at least, pretty error-prone. But someone is doing something about it.

In this article, Python 3000 Status Update, Guido van Rossum is putting a new syntax in for Octal numbers and Binary numbers too (see 'Other Significant Changes' towards the bottom).

Not that I ever use them much, but I think it will help. In fact, I said to someone at least a few years ago that '0o....' should be used for Octal numbers :-)

Labels: python, code

Inserted: 2007-06-22 11:52 (4 years, 8 months ago)

Will Code for Coffee

After 3 days without a good coffee, I'm in need of one. I'll even code...

After 3 days without a good coffee, I need to take desparate measures. I may code, if necessary.

Wellington airport gave me a good coffee from Fuel.

Sydney airport gave me something I'd expect on the flight itself. I tried it, and tried it again, then left the rest - it was not worth it.

Hong Kong airport forced me to go to Starbucks, which I didn't really want to do, but kinda had to. It was okay.

Since being in London, I wasn't in the situation to get one and on the way up to Liverpool, the motorway service station had them for the (converted) rate of $7 a pop. I declined buying one.

Hmmm, maybe I'll not get a good one for three weeks. Maybe this is the time to give up completely, as I have been thinking for a while - I drink too much.

Labels: coffee, airport, code

Inserted: 2006-08-27 09:40 (5 years, 5 months ago)