4 ms·
> "elegant: builds a system in a way that is technically satisfying efficient: builds a system in a way that uses the least resources effective: builds a system
by pdx 11y ago
> "elegant: builds a system in a way that is technically satisfying
efficient: builds a system in a way that uses the least resources
effective: builds a system in way that solves the problem"
No, 'Effective' solves the problem, but not necessarily in the "best" way possible. In my opinion, the quote as stated is just wrong. Effective means "gets it done", but doesn't convey that it was done optimally.
It makes much more sense to me to say...
"Any run-of-the-mill engineer can design something which is effective. A good engineer designs systems to be efficient. A great engineer designs them to be elegant."
- maxxxxx 11y agoI think for elegant solutions you often have to define the problem right. From my experience often the problem is not really that clearly defined so it's hard to build an elegant solution.
- JackFr 11y agoThe way I read it, that's exactly the point. It makes much more sense to you (and me) that way but the point is our common sense about what makes an engineer great is wrong.
- kaspm 11y agoHow about "Any run-of-the-mill engineer can design something which is either elegant, efficient or effective, a good engineer designs systems to be two out of the three, a great engineer designs them to be all 3."