Re:Absolute truths I unlearned as junior developer
by eru on Saturday June 08, 2019 @11:28AM
(#20132879)
Generalizing even when you are only using your solution once can sometimes be useful.
When you know that certain information should not be used in a correct solution, a more abstract approach can make sure that information stays hidden.
A really simple example: for-loops in Python 'leak' their index variable. Stick that loop inside a local function, and then you know that you can not accidentally make use of the index variable later.
A more complicated example is deliberately coding to an interface that carefully exposes only what should be exposed. Eg using a map or filter higher-order function.
When you know that certain information should not be used in a correct solution, a more abstract approach can make sure that information stays hidden.
A really simple example: for-loops in Python 'leak' their index variable. Stick that loop inside a local function, and then you know that you can not accidentally make use of the index variable later.
A more complicated example is deliberately coding to an interface that carefully exposes only what should be exposed. Eg using a map or filter higher-order function.