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From: mc68020@gilbbs.UUCP (Tom Keller)
Newsgroups: net.cse
Subject: Re: working programs
Message-ID: <91@gilbbs.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 18-Mar-86 12:18:32 EST
Article-I.D.: gilbbs.91
Posted: Tue Mar 18 12:18:32 1986
Date-Received: Fri, 21-Mar-86 04:47:16 EST
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   Dick Karpinski makes some interesting points.  In essence (please correct
me if my summary misrepresents what you are saying, Dick) what I understand 
his position to be is as follows:

   In as much as "real world" programs can never be fully tested, and in as
much as specifications for programming assignments tend to be nebulous at
best, he feels that style should be considered at least as important as 
whether or not a program works.  He argues maintainability, in essence.

   Yes, Dick, I agree that programming students need to learn style.  But
I disagree to the extent that a program which doesn't even come close to
performing the desired function, and which won't even pass through the
compiler should not carry any value.  Many of the programs of this nature
to which we are referring are written by students who frequently are unable
to explain the intended operation of the code they have produced.

   Style shouold certainly be considered when evaluating a programming
assignment, and emphasis on style is essential.  But non-functional programs
(no programs which have minor problems, but totally non-functional) should
not be acceptable under any circumstances.

   
-- 

====================================

Disclaimer:  I hereby disclaim any and all responsibility for disclaimers.

tom keller
{ihnp4, dual}!ptsfa!gilbbs!mc68020

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