Complex Systems

[billroper]

I have frequently explained that large computer programs (like, say, the one I work on) are complex systems and have behaviors. You program the rules into the system code, the system executes your program following those rules, and then it exhibits certain behaviors.

Occasionally, you look at the program and go, "No, no. Bad program." However, this is almost always due to a failure to write the correct rules. Some times, you think you have written the correct rules, but you have written the wrong thing or left a loophole.

And then the program will misbehave and take a dump on the floor.

Calvin the Dog is also a complex system.

Comments

[catamariner]

But can snacks tempt your code to misbehave...??? :-)