Lodge a Formal Complaint

One of my main character flaws, I reluctantly admit, is that I tend to complain a lot. In fact, this post is a complaint. I know sometimes it gets to people and it doesn't always have merit. However, it is something that I am aware of and that I'm working on. Sometimes people complain because it is a mood they are in, but other times the complaints are substantial and significant. However, a distinction can still be made between people who only complain about something and people who complain about something, but who are planning to do something about it.

I, however, am not the only one who can complain a lot. Other people can also make a very big fuss about the littlest of things. As an example, I'm going to take you into the realm of computer science, software development and general geekiness.

Someone once said that a programmer loves the first two, maybe three programming languages he (or she) learns, but then hates everything he has to work with after that. I first programmed in Pascal and I absolutely loved it. I was apprehensive when I had to move on to C, but I learned to appreciate its raw power and flexibility. Then came Java and I learned to appreciate the rapid development of big projects it provides. Then I moved on to PHP, which I love as a friendly server side language. Next I want to move on the Python...

So, all these languages that I love, but they each have their flaws. Pascal is a great learning tool, but I wouldn't easily attempt a big project in it. Writing something in C from scratch can be a nightmare. Java runs on a virtual machine, and hence is slower in execution than the native code generated by other languages and also takes the object-orientated paradigm to ridiculous levels. PHP is fantastic for server side programming, but I haven't really applied it otherwise. Python also doesn't compile to native code, but I still have to yet learn it fully (it uses yet another programming paradigm).

Moral of the story? I use whatever is suited for a particular task. Same with operating systems: I dual boot Windows and Mandriva Linux (although I think I'm going to switch over to Suse soon). Windows supports drivers and games that Linux doesn't, but I prefer to do any development in Linux. Again, I use what is best suited for a particular task. Sometimes I do complain about Java applications being slow, but when I have to write threaded client-server programs for my Networks course, I am very thankful for the Java API.

Other people, however, hate irrationally. They are part of a geeky “Pepsi Generation”. The idea of the Pepsi generation is that people prefer one brand to another for whatever reason and refuses to support or endorse “the competition”. Examples abound: Coca-Cola or Pepsi? Mercedes or BMW? Windows or Linux? I'll admit that I am a part of the Pepsi generation. I given a choice, Coca-Cola all the way. Definitely a Mercedes. I grew up with “the idea” of these brands, I guess, and I support them. I am part of the Pepsi generation because I choose it, either because I like arguing with the people who support the competition or because I genuinely and blindly believe I support the “better” product. But when it comes to certain things, I use a bit more rationality and objectivity. Linux or Windows? Depends on what I want to do. C or Java? Depends on the task at hand.

I write this after stumbling across yet another fantastic piece of writing on the Internet I didn't read entitled “Why Java is better than C”. I got the result in a Google search, but the one point I read was completely idiotic. There are thousands, perhaps millions of articles like these out there on the web. People who complain about one language and spends considerable time, resources and effort doing so. This is sad and, more importantly, annoying and useless. These people resent something for simply existing. That sounds familiar, but not in an IT context... Anyway, the same goes for the Linux or Windows debate. In total, decades of man-hours get lost each year about people arguing with each other over these matters. Of course, nobody convinces everyone, which makes the entire exercise very frugal.

People, please, really, grow up. If you want to write an argument down, send a letter to a local politician or something and try to better your community. Or you can spend the time mowing the lawn or practise breathing less so you reduce carbon emissions, anything constructive!

I'm not saying stop complaining. On some level, it might actually be healthy and constructive, if done in moderation or appropriately. I also indulge in arguing over how useless, say, an Apple Mac is to an intelligible person. That’s more Pepsi generation, however, because I honestly can't think of a single use for one...