The Codeless Code: Case 233 The Falling and the Rising Rain
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Two monks were arguing about the best way to implement two
somewhat-similar workflows in their application. They went
to the visiting master Suku to settle their dispute.
The first monk said, “I believe we should implement both
workflows separately to keep them from constraining each
other. When all work is done we can identify the common
parts, and combine them into generic base classes or
utilities. If similar workflows are desired in the future,
we will follow this process: design each new flow
independently, make use of the generic code where possible,
and combine workflow-specific code into generic
implementations when appropriate.”
Suku said to the first monk, “This is a most natural
approach. When it rains on the mountain, tiny droplets
cascade down the stones. As the waters descend into the
valley, ten thousand rivulets merge into a thousand brooks,
then a hundred creeks, then ten streams, then one mighty
river.”
The second monk said, “I believe we should implement both
workflows together, using their features to define a generic
framework. When special cases or alternate flows arise, we
can abstract them out as configurable features, or add hooks
into the framework as appropriate. If similar workflows are
desired in the future, we will follow this process:
implement each new flow using the framework, and if this
proves impossible, split the framework’s generic
implementations to allow workflow-specific code as needed.”
Suku said to the second monk, “This also is a natural
approach. When it rains on the mountain, tiny droplets
nourish the roots of the sapling. As the mighty oak ascends
toward the heavens, one trunk divides into ten boughs, then
a hundred limbs, then a thousand branches, then ten thousand
twigs.”
Both monks bowed and turned to leave—their argument still
unsettled—whereupon Suku sighed in frustration and rapped
the backs of their heads with her staff.
“Monks!” she said to the pair. “If the world were wiped
clean except for mountains and rain, which would arise
first: the river, or the oak tree?”
