Computer Language Geeking

Raymond Chen writes today about when to mark a method as virtual in a C++ class. He makes some good points, which in turn could be considered to be a critique of object oriented languages that make every function overridable.

I'll need to think on that a bit. One of those problems with language flexibility that we don't think enough about is the testability aspect - every bit of power a language grants you is likely to be abusable in some way, even if they're not all as bad as C++ :-)

(no subject)

This week, Rob tells the Gemini:

Of all the objects in the world that are made of 22-karat gold, a bathtub in Japan is the biggest. Weighing in at over 300 pounds, it's in the Funabara Hotel a hundred miles south of Tokyo. I suggest you regard it as your personal symbol of power in the coming week, Gemini. It will remind you to stay true to your task, which is to cleanse yourself extravagantly as you purge your heart of all motivations that aren't pure gold.

Hrm. Not sure what I need cleansing of, but then I guess that's what Rob is saying - I should pay attention.

And I did have a conversation last night about motivations that I should pay attention. Maybe it's related. Or maybe I've got other Geminis' advice again this week :-)