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Later, in the "by the way" section after the article. After an article that in no way suggests it's talking about printed and shared code exclusively. After par
by TonyStr 3y ago
Later, in the "by the way" section after the article. After an article that in no way suggests it's talking about printed and shared code exclusively. After paragraphs such as this
> Bottom line: this isn’t a matter of taste. In programming code, every character in the file has a special semantic role to play. Therefore, any kind of “prettifying” that makes one character look like another—including ligatures—leads to a swamp of despair. If you don’t believe me, try it for 10 or 15 years.
The submission reads very much like an attack on any use of ligatures in code. The comment in the end reads, to me, more like a resignation of responsibility over his claims.
- tptacek 3y agoIt is an attack on using ligatures in code. It's not hiding that. That's the point of the article.
- 1attice 3y agoIt's not an "attack". It's an argument against. "Attack" implies some sort of animus directed against the recipient; e.g. an attack on unhoused people, etc. An attack implies violence. An argument, even one with strong language, can be about whether or not a tool is fit-for-purpose. This is allowed. This is discourse. Right now, politically, a lot of arguments are actually attacks (on specific groups of people) in disguise, and I sympathize with your confusion. But arguments do exist. Not every argument is an attack. I can't link to this book often enough: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29363252-conflict-is-not-abuse?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=o6dl7PwFOs&rank=1 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29363252-conflict-is-not...
- timsneath 3y agoYou can attack an idea. I don't know why you think it assumes animus against the recipient.
- 1attice 3y agoYes, and you can also shoot, strangulate, or set an idea on fire. Metaphorically speaking. But metaphor is imprecision and unnecessary colour. Be clear and precise. Use specific language. This is admittedly prescriptive usage, but I am prescribing this antidote for an overheated era, full of overwrought language.