A default-converging asymmetry for a codebase: "Every time you touch an area of code, leave it a bit better than you found it."

· Bits and Bobs 6/8/26
  • A default-converging asymmetry for a codebase: "Every time you touch an area of code, leave it a bit better than you found it."
    • The "leave it better than you found it" is in some ways a cheat because the definition of "better" is left undefined.
    • But as long as there's a consistent asymmetry in what people think 'better' means then there will be coherent movement in a good direction.
    • Even if people disagree on some aspects, there are others that everyone can agree on: tidy, robust, elegant, well-documented.
    • In many situations, people mostly agree on the general direction of better.
      • It's only in a small number of decisions where people disagree… though those get all of the mental attention in political environments.
    • Rob Sand's slogan: "Not redder or bluer, but better and truer."