Laws of Computing

[donalson]

I couldn't think of a group who would better appreciate these...

Zymurgy's First Law of Evolving Systems Dynamics:
Once you open a can of worms, the only way to
recan them is to use a bigger can.

First Law of Revision:
Information necessitiating a change of design will be
conveyed to the designer after - and only after - the
plans are complete.
(Often called the 'Now They Tell Us' Law)

Corollary to the First Law of Revision:
In simple cases, presenting one obvious right way versus
one obvious wrong way, it is often wiser to choose the wrong
way, so as to expedite subsequent revision.

Second Law of Revision:
The more innocuous the modification appears to be, the
further its influence will extend and the more plans
will have to be redrawn.

LAWS OF COMPUTER PROGRAMMING:
A- Any given program, when running, is obsolete.
B- Any given program costs more and takes longer.
C- If a program is useful, it will have to be changed.
D- If a program is useless, it will have to be documented.
E- Any program will expand to fill available memory.
F- The value of a program is proportional to the weight
of its output.
G- Program complexity grows until it exceeds the capabilities
of the programmer who must maintain it.
H- Any non-trivial program contains at least one bug.
I- Undetectable errors are infinite in variety, in contrast to
detectable errors, which by definition are limited.
J- Adding manpower to a late software project makes it later.

Lubarsky's Law of Cybernetic Entomology:
There's always one more bug.

Peer's Law:
The solution to the problem changes the problem.

Brooke's Law:
Whenever a system becomes completely defined, some damn fool
discovers something which either abolishes the system or
expands it beyond recognition.

Law of Revelation:
The hidden flaw never remains hidden.

Grossman's Misquote:
Complex problems have simple, easy to understand wrong answers.

Woltman's Law:
Never program and drink beer at the same time.

Cheers,

   D3

--
*********************************************************************
* Doug Donalson                 Office: (805) 893-2962
* Ecology, Evolution,           Home:   (805) 961-4447
* and Marine Biology            email address@hidden
* UC Santa Barbara
* Santa Barbara Ca. 93106
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*
*   The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that
*   heralds new discoveries, is not "EUREKA" (I have found it) but
*   "That's funny ...?"
*
*       Isaac Asimov
*
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