• @Cocodapuf@lemmy.world
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    124 months ago

    Well, I think it’s legit to use software without understanding the code or use hardware without understanding the specifics of the logical mechanisms of the silicon. But when you’re writing software, you really should know what’s in your own code. Anything else is bad form in my opinion.

    • AwesomeLowlander
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      04 months ago

      It’s an imported library, since when are devs expected to be inspecting the source code of every library they import?

      • @Cocodapuf@lemmy.world
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        4 months ago

        I don’t like to use libraries I don’t understand. Probably part why I’m not a professional developer, but it’s the principle of the thing - don’t put out code you can’t vouch for.

        I mean, yes, it’s way easier to just use the library, trust it works; but by that logic, it’s also way easier to just let an llm code for you.

        • AwesomeLowlander
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          54 months ago

          Probably part why I’m not a professional developer, but it’s the principle of the thing

          There’s no ‘principle’ here, that’s something that simply would not be possible in any sort of large project. To suggest all professional software developers read every line of every library before using it is ridiculously unworkable.

        • Amju Wolf
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          34 months ago

          …but do yoz “understand libraries” by reading every line of their code, or by reading the documentation? And only in the parts you’re actually interested in?

          • @Cocodapuf@lemmy.world
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            14 months ago

            Yeah, a general understanding is enough. But I think yeah, actually skim over the code, at least get a basic idea about how the internal methods work. Depending on what you’re using the library for, it could be prudent to know more about how data structures are handled.

            Honestly, you’ll probably learn something in the process.