[net.lang] Batch Programming / Re: ..., Going O

liberte@uiucdcs.UUCP (07/02/84)

#R:fortune:-357200:uiucdcs:26400013:000:1026
uiucdcs!liberte    Jun 17 23:13:00 1984

/**** uiucdcs:net.lang / gurr@west44 / 11:14 pm  Jun 13, 1984 ****/
>        ... You
> 	 should never be proud when you track down a bug in your
> 	 own program.  It's like finding a cockroach in your
> 	 kitchen.  You should be embarrassed and upset that it was
> 	 there in the first place.

This philosophy is *dangerous*. ...
	Dave Gurr, Westfield College, Univ. of London, England.
/* ---------- */

I quite agree.  Although I am somewhat embarrassed and upset at the
existence of a bug - more upset when it is not my bug - I am learning to
take it in stride.  However, I am proud and cheered to find the bugger, and I
believe rightfully so.  It is good work to fix things, no matter why they
are busted.  An important part of debugging is to track down why the bug
exists - sniff out the crummy code - exclaim "pay dirt!" and clean up the
mess.  Easier said than done.

Daniel LaLiberte          (ihnp4!uiucdcs!liberte)
U of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Computer Science
{moderation in all things - including moderation}