Richard Hartman wrote:
> > From: Nick Rossi [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
>
> > Also, since the discussion has drifted to left brain versus
> > right brain, it is worth noting that ALL software development is
> > science.
>
> Sorry I'm late responding ... but I just have to address this.
>
> "Science" has to do with exploration. You form a theory which
> must produce testable predictions and then execute the test in
> order to prove or disprove the theory.
>
> This has -nothing- to do with software development.
>
> Software development is -engineering-, not science.
>
> (and yes, there is also a component of art to it as well)
I stayed out of this one, but in the mood I'm in today, I have to toss
my two cents in as well.
Yes software development is engineering. There are not enough good
engineers writing software today, and that is evidenced by systems that
are so unstable that they require constant rebooting to make them work.
The "blue screen of death" represents poor engineering at it's best.
Yes, programming is art. I believe a well written program is nearly as
interesting as a well written novel. I know that I will solve a problem
differently one week to another in software. I also will develop a
character differently one week to another in my creative writing. Both
require creative thinking, both require innovation, and both require a
special insight into your audience. Not a science, but a true art form.
The blending of science and art can create a masterpiece of software
engineering, and an end user experience that makes a computer truly
useful, nearly invisible, and just plain fun.
-Tim
--
Tim Hewitt
Principal Software Engineer
Fairchild Semiconductor
