The "Wheel Reinventor's Principles" advocate for strategically reinventing existing solutions, not out of ignorance, but as a path to deeper understanding and potential innovation. It emphasizes learning by doing, prioritizing personal growth over efficiency, and embracing the educational journey of rebuilding. While acknowledging the importance of leveraging existing tools, the principles encourage exploration and experimentation, viewing the process of reinvention as a method for internalizing knowledge, discovering novel approaches, and ultimately building a stronger foundation for future development. This approach values the intrinsic rewards of learning and the potential for uncovering unforeseen improvements, even if the initial outcome isn't as polished as established alternatives.
Qntm's "Developer Philosophy" emphasizes a pragmatic approach to software development centered around the user. Functionality and usability reign supreme, prioritizing delivering working, valuable software over adhering to abstract principles or chasing technical perfection. This involves embracing simplicity, avoiding unnecessary complexity, and focusing on the core problem the software aims to solve. The post advocates for iterative development, accepting that software is never truly "finished," and encourages a willingness to learn and adapt throughout the process. Ultimately, the philosophy boils down to building things that work and are useful for people, favoring practicality and continuous improvement over dogmatic adherence to any specific methodology.
Hacker News users discuss the linked blog post about "Developer Philosophy." Several commenters appreciate the author's humor and engaging writing style. Some agree with the core argument about developers often over-engineering solutions and prioritizing "cleverness" over simplicity. One commenter points out the irony of using complex language to describe this phenomenon. Others disagree with the premise, arguing that performance optimization and preparing for future scaling are valid concerns. The discussion also touches upon the tension between writing maintainable code and the desire for intellectual stimulation and creativity in programming. A few commenters express skepticism about the "one true way" to develop software and emphasize the importance of context and specific project requirements. There's also a thread discussing the value of different programming paradigms and the role of experience in shaping a developer's philosophy.
Summary of Comments ( 37 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43434730
Hacker News users generally agreed with the author's premise that reinventing the wheel can be beneficial for learning, but cautioned against blindly doing so in professional settings. Several commenters emphasized the importance of understanding why something is the standard, rather than simply dismissing it. One compelling point raised was the idea of "informed reinvention," where one researches existing solutions thoroughly before embarking on their own implementation. This approach allows for innovation while avoiding common pitfalls. Others highlighted the value of open-source alternatives, suggesting that contributing to or forking existing projects is often preferable to starting from scratch. The distinction between reinventing for learning versus for production was a recurring theme, with a general consensus that personal projects are an ideal space for experimentation, while production environments require more pragmatism. A few commenters also noted the potential for "NIH syndrome" (Not Invented Here) to drive unnecessary reinvention in corporate settings.
The Hacker News post titled "Wheel Reinventor’s Principles (2024)" linking to tobloef.com/blog/wheel-reinventors-principles/ has generated a moderate number of comments, sparking a discussion around the merits and pitfalls of reinventing the wheel.
Several commenters agree with the author's premise, emphasizing the educational value of rebuilding existing tools and libraries. One commenter argues that reinventing the wheel is crucial for truly understanding how things work, leading to a deeper appreciation and ability to customize tools later on. They highlight the satisfaction and control gained from building something oneself. Another commenter concurs, suggesting that the process of reinvention, even if it doesn't result in a production-ready tool, fosters a valuable understanding of the underlying principles. This commenter even suggests that sometimes the act of reinvention can uncover hidden flaws or inefficiencies in the original design.
However, some comments caution against unnecessary or excessive wheel reinvention, particularly in professional settings. One commenter points out the potential cost implications and time wasted when readily available, well-maintained solutions exist. They advocate for prioritizing pragmatism and focusing on solving the actual problem at hand rather than getting sidetracked by reinventing tools. Another echoes this sentiment, asserting that while reinventing can be beneficial for learning, it's often more efficient to leverage existing resources, especially in a business context. They suggest that reinventing the wheel should be a deliberate choice made with awareness of the trade-offs.
A few commenters delve into specific examples of when wheel reinvention might be justified. One commenter mentions situations where existing solutions are overly complex or lack crucial features, making it more practical to build a simpler, tailored solution. Another commenter brings up the issue of licensing, arguing that sometimes reinventing is necessary to avoid using proprietary software or complying with restrictive licenses.
Finally, there's some discussion about the importance of knowing when to reinvent. One commenter proposes that reinventing the wheel is valuable early in one's career, but becomes less so as experience grows and the focus shifts to delivering value efficiently. Another commenter emphasizes the importance of thoroughly researching existing solutions before embarking on a reinvention project, ensuring that the effort is truly justified.