I’m curious how software can be created and evolve over time. I’m afraid that at some point, we’ll realize there are issues with the software we’re using that can only be remedied by massive changes or a complete rewrite.
Are there any instances of this happening? Where something is designed with a flaw that doesn’t get realized until much later, necessitating scrapping the whole thing and starting from scratch?
I’d counter that with monolithic, legacy apps without any testing trying to refactor can be a real pain.
I much prefer starting from scratch, while trying to avoid past mistakes and still maintaining the old app until new up is ready. Then management starts managing and new app becomes old app. Rinse and repeat.
https://sopuli.xyz/pictrs/image/f265c505-5d12-4f00-ac6e-2d5347902d04.webp
The difference between the idiot and the expert, is the expert knows why the fences are there, and can do the rewrite without having to relearn lessons. But if you’re supporting a package you didn’t originally write, a rewrite is much harder.
Which is something I always try to explain to juniors: writing code is cool, but for your sake learn how to READ code.
Not just understanding what it does, but what was it all meant to do. Even reading your own code is a skill that needs some focus.
Side note: I hate it to my core when people copy code mindlessly. Sometimes it’s not even a bug, or a performance issue, but something utterly stupid and much harder to read. But because they didn’t understand it, and didn’t even try, they just copy-pasted it and went on. Ugh.
Get ready for the world of AI code assist 😬
https://www.joelonsoftware.com/2000/04/06/things-you-should-never-do-part-i/
Hah yeah, this was in the back of my mind. I forgot the context of it, though, thanks.