Holidays and Higher Standards

In the last few weeks, Jeff Atwood has posted a few articles about common problems in code. The one that grabbed my attention was about ASCII vs. Alphabetical sorting. I couldn't agreee more with the post. However, I think it's slightly unfair that the programmer cops the flack for these issues.

I know, that sounds odd. We write the code, why shouldn't we be responsible for it? Personally, I think that a lot of poor quality code is written in places where there is no higher standard. Managers accept code that achieves 90% of the initial specification, and thus bad code is born.

Programmers need to have a bit more pride in their work! Why can't we peer review other's code, even if it's not in a formal manner. What's wrong with striving to better your coding skills? Employers can help too - find the programmers who are serious about their work and offer to send them on a usability course. You will be rewarded with cleaner user interfaces, and happier programmers. Promote programmers who write good code - let THEM shape the programming culture in your business, not the programmers who have been there the longest.

On that note, I leave you, dear reader. I'm on holiday for three weeks in New Zealand. I'll try and take some photos and upload them when I get a chance.


Till we meet again!

General update

After spending four days in France, I have a newfound respect for anyone who lives or works in a country where their language is not spoken. The French are certainly not the most forgiving when it comes to people who don't speak their language.


In other news, I'm starting a new project to build a better build script for my work's source tree. It's kind of like scons, but much much simpler. Should be interesting to see what it's like when it's finished.

I'm still thinking about ideaforge... I really think it needs to be done. I wonder who can provide some insight on the issue...