Hexagram 8: Line Conflict

Image:

Two programmers meet in the middle of the road -- one kills the other.

Judgement:

The winds of change blow far and wide, but converge to one place. Of the ten thousand lines of code, the same one needs to be fixed in several ways. Even though it causes work to be redone, the Wise One marvels at the ways of heaven when he meets another unannounced.

Moving Lines:

• Line 6 -- Two fixes are to be integrated, but both cannot be used. The line becomes strong, so the outcome is fortunate. The Wise One smiles contentedly, but knows next time heaven may not smile upon him.
• Line 5 -- Testing reveals great error has been committed. The Wise One looks at his code and sees it is not right. He finds the fool that changed the program before him and strives to remove the error.
• Line 4 -- Code is revealed to another for approval, only to find he is also making changes. Much work is consigned to the bit bucket. The Wise One smiles, because it is no longer his problem and he can move on to another. Only the fool curses at his misfortune.
• Line 3 -- The fix is obvious, but consultation with others shows they are pursuing a different path. To continue coding is fruitless, as all work is destined for the bit bucket. There is no possibility of further advance.
• Line 2 -- The problem is studied and plans are made, but the consultant does not approve. He has ten thousand lines of code to do the same thing and is ready to test. The Wise One nods in approval, secretly knowing he will soon have much work to do.
• Line 1 -- Plans are made for the future, but the foundations are hollow. The project is cancelled before code is even conceived. There is no progress.

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Translator's Notes