Software Like Writing

How is writing software like writing fiction, or any story? I was writing a piece of code and started getting caught up in the details of function calls and precise semantics of Java's while loop. Suddenly, I kicked in a technique that I've always innately used to think about something. I visualized it. That is to say that I visualized how a piece of code I was writing was triggered from a callback, and therefore hard to unit test. The code was triggered from a SAX callback and notified another client when I was done. Suddenly, my mind's eye was looking at complexity in terms of where data was flowing and where the points of control were.

When I thought about it, it occurred to me that this was like how I write fiction or any creative work. At my best, I cease thinking about the particulars of grammar or style. I begin to visualize where the character or characters are in their environment. Or even better (see Montreal Morning), how an environment shapes and guides a character. In this scenario, one has all kinds of tools at their disposal. A character's memory of the past, or belief in a concept can shape how they interact with the people around them. This makes for nuanced and interesting dialogue between characters. Tension, earnestness, and any other human trait can be a tool to propel a plot.

I'd be interested to know how you get your best software or fiction work done. Please comment on this post!!!

Posted by Timothy Washington on 2005.05.13| Original post

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