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persistence

Custom Code Exposed

This week’s interview:
When is custom code appropriate?

Head First: Hello, CC, how are you today? Custom Code: What?!? That’s where I excel:
creating beautifully crafted custom solutions for folks
Custom Code: Hi, I’m great! And when I’m not with complex computing problems.
great, there’s always something I can do to fix things.
Nothing’s too much trouble for me. Here: have a Head First: But if something’s been done before,
seat. why reinvent the wheel?
Head First: Why, thanks. Custom Code: But everything I do is custom-
made; that’s why people come to me…
Custom Code: Let me get that for you. It’s my
new custom SlideBack&Groove™, the 2011 model, Head First: Yes, but if you take advantage of other
with added cushions and lumbar support…and it coders’ work, you can build your own stuff in half
automatically adjusts to your body shape, too. How the time with less code. You can’t beat that, can you?
does that feel?
Custom Code: “Take advantage”…isn’t that like
Head First: Actually [relaxes], that feels kinda exploitation?
groovy.
Head First: More like collaboration, sharing,
Custom Code: See? Nothing’s too much trouble participation, and working together.
for me. I’m your “go-to guy.” Just ask; absolutely Custom Code: [shocked] You want me to give my
anything’s possible when it’s a custom job.
code…away?
Head First: Which brings me to why I’m here. I Head First: Well…more like share and share alike.
have a “delicate” question to ask you.
I’ll scratch your back if you scratch mine. How does
Custom Code: Go ahead, shoot. I can take it. that sound?
Head First: When is custom code appropriate? Custom Code: That sounds disgusting.

Custom Code: Isn’t it obvious? It’s always Head First: Very droll [laughs]. All I’m saying is
appropriate. that it is not always a good idea to create everything
from scratch with custom code when a good enough
Head First: Even when it leads to problems down solution to the problem might already exist.
the road?
Custom Code: I guess so…although it won’t be as
Custom Code: Problems?!? But I’ve already told perfect a fit as that chair.
you: nothing’s too much trouble for me. I live to
customize. If it’s broken, I fix it. Head First: But I will be able to sit on it!
Head First: Even when a readymade solution Custom Code: [laughs] You should talk to my
might be a better fit? buddy Pickle…he’s forever going on about stuff like
this. And to make matters worse, he lives in a library.
Custom Code: Readymade? You mean (I hate to
say it): off the shelf? Head First: I think I’ll give him a shout. Thanks!
Head First: Yes. Especially when it comes to Custom Code: Just remember: you know where to
writing complex programs, right? find me if you need any custom work done.

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