Pragmatism VS Dogmatism, are you lazy?...
Tags: philosophy, engineer, productivity, beginners
Published: 2023-03-09 23:29:19


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Pragmatism vs Dogmatism is a battle that rages throughout the world of programming, and it can get pretty heated. Imagine two street gangs, but instead of guns and knives, they're armed with Python and Java. Okay, maybe not that intense, but you get the picture.


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Pragmatism in programming is all about being practical. It's like cooking with what you have in the fridge instead of going out to buy expensive ingredients. It's finding the most efficient solution to a problem and not worrying too much about following rigid rules or traditions.

Meanwhile, dogmatism is like a religious fanaticism of programming. It's an unwavering faith in the superiority of one methodology or approach. It's like refusing to eat anything but organic, non-GMO, locally sourced, and gluten-free food, even if it means starving to death.

Now, I'm not saying one side is better than the other. It's like asking whether cats or dogs are better. It's a personal preference, although we all know cats are superior (just kidding, don't @ me).

The problem with dogmatism in programming is that it can lead to rigid and inflexible code that can be difficult to maintain. It's like trying to fit all your clothes in a carry-on suitcase-- sure, it might seem like a good idea at first, but eventually everything is going to explode out of it.

On the other hand, if you're too pragmatic, you might end up sacrificing code quality and maintainability for short-term gains. It's like using duct tape to fix everything in your house instead of calling a professional-- sure, it might work for a while, but eventually everything is going to fall apart.

So, what's the solution? Like most things in life, it's a balance. You need to be able to weigh the pros and cons of different approaches and be willing to adapt when necessary. It's like choosing pizza toppings-- you might have a favorite combo, but sometimes it's good to try something new.

## Is pragmatic the same as being lazy?


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Now, some people think that being pragmatic means taking the easy way out or not caring about doing a good job. They assume that pragmatic developers just can't be bothered to take the time to write optimized or beautiful code. But this is a huge misconception.

Pragmatism is not about cutting corners or ignoring standards. Instead, it's about being smart about what's most relevant to your project, focusing on the essential features and functions of a program, and avoiding wasted effort on minor visual details or on following hard-and-fast rules that don't actually contribute to the performance of your program.

Dogmatism, on the other hand, is all about sticking rigidly to a set of rules or principles, often without regard to the realities of the project at hand. A dogmatic developer might be obsessed with following established patterns or standards even if it means sacrificing efficiency or solving a particular problem effectively. They might get distracted by minor details at the expense of important functions or prioritize theoretical purity at the expense of practicality.


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When pragmatism and dogmatism are in conflict, there's no doubt that pragmatism is the more desirable approach in programming. It's not the same thing as being lazy or taking shortcuts; instead, it's a philosophy that values outcomes over adherence to arbitrary standards. It encourages developers to stay focused on what's most important and to be adaptable in the face of changing circumstances, which are both essential ingredients for success in today's fast-paced tech landscape.

So next time you hear someone claiming that pragmatism is the same as being lazy, let them know that nothing could be further from the truth. Being pragmatic is all about being efficient, effective, and practical - and that's something that every developer should strive for.

In the end, whether you're a pragmatist or a dogmatist, the most important thing is to keep learning and growing as a programmer. It's like training for a marathon-- it might be tough, but once you cross that finish line, you feel like a champion.

Dogs and cats are both great, and so are pragmatism and dogmatism in programming. Just don't be a religious fanatic about it, and you'll be just fine.