4 ms·

I know it's not software-engineering-only, but Chesterton's Fence is often the first 'law' I teach interns and new hires: https://fs.blog/chestertons-fence/ ht

by hatsix 6mo ago

I know it's not software-engineering-only, but Chesterton's Fence is often the first 'law' I teach interns and new hires: https://fs.blog/chestertons-fence/ https://fs.blog/chestertons-fence/

computerdork 6mo ago
This is one of my biggest principles too, "think before you do."
ericmcer 6mo ago
They have "Law of Unintended Consequences" on this list which describes the same phenomena. I always liked the fence story better though.
sltr 6mo ago
the corollary of Chesterton's Fence is also valuable: don't go putting up unnecessary fences, because others won't be able to take them down
jrmiii 6mo ago
Found your comment by searching to see if anyone mentioned it. Really key in legacy systems.