Alexander A. Stepanov: This book does not attempt to solve complicated problems. It will attempt to solve very simple problems which most people find trivial: minimum and maximum, linear search and swap. These problems are not, however, as simple as they seem. I have been forced to go back and revisit my view of them many times. And I am not alone. I often have to argue about different aspects of the interface and implementation of such simple functions with my old friends and collaborators. There is more to it, than many people think.
I do understand that most people have to design systems somewhat more complex than maximum and minimum. But I urge them to consider the following: unless they can design a three line program well, why would they be able to design a three hundred thousand line program. We have to build our design skills by following through simple exercises, the way a pianist has to work through simple finger exercises before attempting to play a complicated piece.
... and I thought all I have to do was to write millions of tests! And write the simplest thing that will make the tests work.
Previous Topic
