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Tests and compiled languages help reduce risks associated with fixing a bug in a function. The classic fear that "I don't know what else uses this function" is
by whydid 5y ago
Tests and compiled languages help reduce risks associated with fixing a bug in a function.
The classic fear that "I don't know what else uses this function" is simple enough to solve for a developer who knows how to perform static analysis.
However, many don't. Even if they do know how to find all areas where a function is being called, it's easier for the "busy" developer to make a copy of the entire function and just change the part they need.
- heisenbit 5y agoStatic analysis of use requires knowing all the calling parties and having access to their code. A lot of systems these days are not static monoliths but dynamic assemblies.
- cratermoon 5y agoOr the code you're working on is part of a library or some other component that's used by other projects, some of which you don't even know about.