Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!husc6!uwvax!rutgers!bellcore!tness7!petro!swrinde!dpmizar!com50!ems!pwcs!elric!del From: del@elric.UUCP (Delmont R. Fredericks) Newsgroups: comp.software-eng Subject: Re: Writing code by hand (was: Basics of Program Design) Summary: Purpose for printer Message-ID: <448@elric.UUCP> Date: 9 Jul 88 20:49:37 GMT References: <900@td2cad.intel.com> <3537@pdn.UUCP> <1559@microsoft.UUCP> <1398@lznv.ATT.COM> Distribution: na Organization: Unisys Inc., Eagan, MN, USA, 55121 Lines: 44 In article <1398@lznv.ATT.COM>, psc@lznv.ATT.COM (Paul S. R. Chisholm) writes: > > In article <1335@hp-sdd.HP.COM>, nick@hp-sdd.HP.COM (Nick Flor) writes: > > It's infinitely easier to type 'dd' to erase a line in VI, than to > > use a pencil eraser. : > > .... My first hack at a top-down design is usually > nowhere near right. With an editor, I'd just change the lines. On > paper, I either cross out a couple of lines, or just start on a fresh > page. (Bound notebooks are useful, because I don't misplace the old > design.) This way, when I'm a third of the way through, I can very > easily pick up the good parts of the previous design attempt. > : > And designing on paper has one great advantage: I can write about > other stuff in the margins. I would have to agree with Nick. Not only is it easily modifiable, but when you want scrutiny from several people on your design you can send several copies to a printer. I find that the biggest advantage is that once my design is final, whala its already in the system, no need to sit down and enter the final design in. However, I do identify some with Paul and my solution to keeping old designs is to use the printer. At least it gives the device some sense of purpose ;-). One can just as easily save and bind listings as they can other paper mediums and besides I find that listings on 130 column wide paper gives my infinitely more margin space for comments that notebook paper does. I feel that there really is no right or wrong way for recording ones design efforts. It all boils down to what you feel comfortable with. This does not mean that I am not open to suggestions for improvements, just that what works for you may not work entirely for me. I may like a portion of your method and work that into mine. Remember, one mans posion is anothers delight :-). -- Delmont R. Fredricks Jr. UUCP: ihnp4!clyde!herman!elric!phaze!del Unisys Computer Systems Div. meccts!herman!elric!phaze!del POB. 64525 MS. CD1B20 EMAIL: del@herman.STP.UNISYS.COM St. Paul, Mn 55164-0525 AT&T: (612)681-6965