Word of the Day & Pop Quiz: spaghetti code

Word of the Day: Daily updates on the latest technology terms

Word of the Day & Pop Quiz Daily updates on the latest technology terms | August 25, 2020 spaghetti code Spaghetti code is a derogatory term for computer programming that is unnecessarily convoluted. It is part of the infamous Pasta Theory of Software, first proposed by software developer Raymond Ruby back in the 1990s. The term is still in use today. Spaghetti code is often the result of changes to monolithic software programs over the years. The spaghetti analogy is meant to illustrate the tangled mess that can occur when changes are made to source code without understanding dependencies. In keeping with his pasta analogy, Raymond Ruby proposed that the best kind of code should be called ravioli code. His vision for ravioli code was one where dependencies are packaged together so any component can be modified or replaced without significantly affecting other components. Continue reading... Take today's Pop Quiz! Answer key below   1. What was the traditional architecture for software design? Hint: The word actually means "unable to be changed." Answer   2. ___________ is the fundamental component of a software program. a. source code b. syntax Answer   3. What do developers call it when a software application is not able to access the additional programming it requires to work? a. dependency hell b. refutation Answer   4. What do you call a clumsy (but hopefully temporary) workaround for a software problem? a. kludge b. elegant solution Answer   5. What do you call an executable software package that includes application code and all its dependencies? a. box b. container Answer Today's Takeaway "Spaghetti code often occurs as a result of short deadlines and a lack of planning. Carelessness isn't the only way to end up with hard-to-maintain code; over-complication can be a cause too." -- Zachary Flower Watch and Learn   Source code: it's the brains behind the scenes. Source code is what makes it possible for all computer programs to -- well -- work. But what is it, and how does it work? Watch this video to find out. Continue Learning Fix spaghetti code and other pasta-theory antipatterns Developers must try to write maintainable, reusable code. That's easier said than done. Learn about programming antipatterns espoused in the pasta theory, and don't forget a napkin. How to manage the rise in developer responsibilities Corporate developers wield more power today than ever before. As such, this power must be offset by checks and balances that create a strong dev environment for everyone in the enterprise. What are some bad coding practices to avoid? It's time to stop being a cowboy coder. Beware these seven bad coding practices that can impair the team and project. 4 microservices antipatterns that ruin migration A migration to microservices can quickly lead to a chaotic heap of overly-coupled modules and fragile code. Here are the most critical microservices antipatterns to avoid. Refactor vs. rewrite: Deciding what to do with problem software At some point, all developers must decide whether to refactor code or rewrite it. Base this choice on factors such as architectural soundness, time, money and goals. Pop Quiz Answer Key 1. monolithic architecture 2. source code 3. dependency hell 4. kludge 5. container Stay in Touch Thank you for reading! For feedback about any of our definitions or to suggest a new definition (or learning resource) please contact me at mrouse@techtarget.com FOLLOW US About This E-Newsletter The Word of the Day is published by TechTarget, Inc., 275 Grove Street, Newton, Massachusetts, 02466 US. Click to: Unsubscribe. You are receiving this email because you are a member of TechTarget. When you access content from this email, your information may be shared with the sponsors or future sponsors of that content and with our Partners, see up-to-date Partners List, as described in our Privacy Policy. For additional information, please contact: webmaster@techtarget.com. © 2020 TechTarget, Inc. all rights reserved. Designated trademarks, brands, logos, and service marks are the property of their respective owners. Privacy Policy | Partners List