Why I Stopped Caring About Programming Terminology
I stopped caring about programming terms
After three years of studying computer science, the author realized that many programming terms—like Component vs. Module or DAO vs. Repository—are used inconsistently across contexts, and that chasing precise definitions often leads to confusion. Three experiences changed their perspective: learning that math relies on undefined terms, hearing a professor say he doesn't care about the difference between higher-order and first-class functions, and a psychiatrist's explanation that depression is a disorder—a set of symptoms we've agreed to name. The key insight: terms exist for understanding, not for battles.
Terms are simply created for understanding.
- smugtrain
If “terms are simply created for understanding”, then why is their misuse so unimportant? Isn’t the whole point of a term’s use in understanding only obtained with the proper usage? Isn’t improper usage actually creating confusion and misunderstanding?
Shouldn’t you care?
- pjmlp
The author will have an interesting interview experience when talking to HR and devs that actually care about programming terms as selection filter.
- BrokenBuild
I felt this for a long time, but this helps me understand the challenge For instance, Autisim is a wide swath from what I know. Spectrum disorder makes more sense, but people not familiar with this treat Autism as true/false. Its so much more nuanced that that. Same goes for so many things as I get older. I agree with the author, take it easy when someone misuses a term that you hold a specific meaning to.