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I hope this is the last time I see "the exception that proves the rule" in the context of programming languages. It's a wart. You know what would better prove
by shasta 16y ago
I hope this is the last time I see "the exception that proves the rule" in the context of programming languages. It's a wart. You know what would better prove the rule? No exceptional cases at all.
- igravious 16y agoYes! Absolutely. The phrase "the exception proves the rule" is a tired, worn out, clichéd contradiction in terms that must have meant something at one time I'm sure but can only be superfluous in most cases now.
- shasta 16y agoI think I've heard it used reasonably, but I can't really remember the specifics. Basically, it's when the cause for the exception follows naturally from the logic behind the rule. Contrived example: If something holds for most birds, an exception for penguins might qualify. In any case, this is just an exception that breaks the rule.
- enneff 16y agoIt is used correctly in the article. The meaning of the word 'prove' in that saying is anologous to 'test' or 'try'. As in 'proving grounds'.
- igravious 16y agoInteresting. I never looked up the etymology of that expression. Thanks.