Skin-Shedding Code (2024)
5 days ago
- #programming
- #zed
- #refactoring
- Shredding refers to rewriting code by taking it apart and rebuilding it in a better way, akin to refactoring but more aggressive.
- At Zed, shredding is a common practice where entire sections of code are deleted and rebuilt from scratch to fit new requirements.
- The team at Zed rewrote their UI framework, GPUI, in a multi-week shred, resulting in a massive pull request.
- Shredding requires confidence, experience, and self-awareness to know when it's appropriate to rebuild rather than make small changes.
- The effectiveness of shredding at Zed may stem from high domain knowledge, excellent programmers, and careful, scoped teardowns.
- Regular shreds help maintain a healthy codebase by removing accumulated inefficiencies and allowing for ideal redesigns.
- Jonathan Blow refers to this approach as 'Sledgehammer programming,' emphasizing the importance of high domain knowledge.