ADSP: Algorithms + Data Structures = Programs Episode 248: The Philosophy of Good Software Design (Part 2)
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Aug 22, 2025 Dive into the philosophy behind effective software design and its impact on APIs and object-oriented principles. The hosts unpack the complexities of coding standards, especially in critical fields like healthcare. They reminisce about outdated tech icons like floppy disks while revealing their significance today. Discover the significance of 'affordances' in design and effective communication strategies. Additionally, they explore emotional storytelling in shows such as 'Love Island' and 'Ted Lasso,' showing how narratives shape our understanding of technology.
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APIs Should Match Common Expectations
- APIs convey expectations through affordances like begin/end or indexing semantics.
- Violating those expectations risks surprising users and causing performance pitfalls.
Regulation Shapes Product Strategy
- Ben notes regulatory costs make new medical-device certifications expensive but updates cheaper to clear.
- Companies often frame major releases as updates to reduce regulatory burden.
Gaming Commission Career Tale
- Ben described interviewing a slot-machine developer who told stories about Nevada Gaming Commission oversight.
- He uses this to illustrate how money-related domains attract strict regulatory scrutiny.
