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Right, when you say, deep in a debugging session, "hmm, this variable shouldn't have this value", this is shorthand for "according to my assumptions about the w
by caf 5y ago
Right, when you say, deep in a debugging session, "hmm, this variable shouldn't have this value", this is shorthand for "according to my assumptions about the way this code operates and the initial conditions, it shouldn't be possible to observe the variable with this value". As far as I can see, it's similar here.
- simonh 5y agoTo be fair, in the programming case you change the code or data to make the variable correct, while in science unless there's a mistake somewhere you follow the data, you don't change things to 'fix' it. However we all know this, we know scientists aren't going to try and 'correct' reality or the data to fit our assumptions. Well, excepting the tin foil hat brigade, but we shouldn't pander to them or let them dictate our use of language.
- caf 5y agoRight, but when you say "this variable shouldn't have this value", it doesn't imply that you doubt your observation of the variable - it is well understood that you are doubting your understanding of the code / initial conditions.