Browsing the web is simple. Want to know why? Because it is linear, intuitive and commonplace. The same can certainly not be said about source code. Browsing source code is like entering a jungle in the night and attempting to survive while crossing the jungle without lights and in the process, learning about every instance of the class flora or fauna inherited by it.
You would assume that since source code of something is generally describing a procedure that it would itself be a bit procedural. But no, it's just like any of my blog posts: filled with seemingly unrelated references, convoluted logic and unclear intentions. To be fair though, if you are reading it, then that probably means it's worth acknowledging, that it must be right and your inability to comprehend it perhaps stems from your less comprehensive mind. The same, I arrogantly hope, can be said about some of my blog posts.
Unwarranted sarcasm aside, reading someone's code is really difficult. It is perhaps the most essential skill that a programmer may have. If you can read and understand others' code then that can often lead to you being able to replicate it or even improve it.
Thus the ability to read code is the key to your survival in the open source community (the jungle). It is absolutely necessary for the fundamental process of growth in any jungle i.e. fast reproduction and eventual evolution.
No comments:
Post a Comment