On the Usability of Editable Software
a day ago
- #customization
- #usability
- #software-development
- Knuth advocates for 're-editable' code over reusable code, suggesting a patch and diff system for software modification.
- The industry standard of incorporating all possible features into a single version leads to bloated software, whereas editable software could be smaller and simpler.
- Personal anecdote about modifying chairs illustrates the concept of modifying objects to suit individual tastes, paralleling the idea of editable software.
- Software is often designed to avoid modification, creating a feedback loop where software becomes harder to modify and thus seeks to avoid it further.
- Proposes making software with the expectation that end users will modify it, simplifying development by focusing on essential features and reducing complexity.
- Highlights the challenges of maintaining local changes with frequent updates and complex programs with plugins, using browsers as an example.
- Suggests practical steps towards creating editable software, such as refactoring code to make features easier to replace or modify.
- Encourages experimentation with editable software to empower users to tailor software to their needs.