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Non-programmers tend to think that adding a software feature is akin to adding on to a house. Sure, it take some effort and money, but the resulting house is su
by larrik 16y ago
Non-programmers tend to think that adding a software feature is akin to adding on to a house. Sure, it take some effort and money, but the resulting house is surely better, right? (This isn't always true, of course, but still)
In reality, adding a software feature is often like adding onto a house in the center of it, expanding the rest of the house around it to make room. Suddenly the job looks a lot tougher.
- eru 16y agoOr perhaps if you told them, it's like adding scenes to a film, they'd understand. There's a reason for deleted scenes.
- derefr 16y agoHow about "it's like if they took [your favorite sport] and added a new rule to it. Imagine how much all the theory, leagues, player valuations, etc. would all change." Or slightly more precise, but less accessible—"what if your favorite fighting game got a new character? What if your favorite MMO got a new class?"