5 ms·

fit2rule didn't say that the term 'code smell' outdates the term 'hipster'. He said that the term 'code smell' outdates hipsters' use of it. Heck, even I reme

• dalke 13y ago
  Ahh, I see how you can draw that conclusion. The quote is "'code smell' predates hipsters as a term", which I interpreted to mean that "code smell" (as a term) is older than "hipster" (as a term, or as a movement), while you interpret to mean "was used by people before hipsters used it." I agree with you that "code smell" did not originate from hipster use. But I don't think EpicEng implied that either. The parent comment is "it tends to be used by hipsters with little to no experience building complex systems." I don't see in it an implication that hipsters came up with the term. So if that is fit2rule's point, then it's rather like saying "fixed-wheel bicycles existed before hipsters" - true, but a tangential remark which ended up derailing the conversation. I know of no use of the phrase "code smell" before 1999, with its modern use. Could you speak more about your recollections from the 1980s? Was it used the same? Do you have a citation or reference?
  • EpicEng 13y ago
    Yeah, pretty much, and I admit it is a gross generalization. The term just bugs me because I see it used so often by people who lack the experience to understand why code which may not seem optimal to them was written the way that it was. I've also seen it used by smart people who know what they're talking about. Who knew I would get such an education on the term "code smell"? :)