Re: Array index nt valid

Hi Buck,

> It remains my opinion that when a program falls over with an array
> index error, then there is a problem with the program.  Even if the
> input file has no records.  As a consumer, I would never, ever accept
> such a program into production

I've researched many software packages, and for some odd reason, none of
them say "Warning! Do not buy this software, it has array index errors in
it!" in their product's sales information.  Yet, after purchasing them,
I've found that some of them do have this error.

Since I've already paid for the software, management doesn't usually think
it's acceptable to throw it away and buy something else.  They seem to
think that if I can work around the problem, I should.

How do you convince them otherwise?  Or better yet, how do you convince
the software manufacturer to put "Warning! My code sucks!" in their
product literature?

Also, there are occasional times when I don't notice every bug in a piece
of software that I bought.  Some of them crop up AFTER I've put it into
production.

How do you ensure that this doesn't happen?

Also, sometimes the software does something that solves a business
problem, and does that admirably and economically.  But then, there's this
one bug that I have to work around.  Perhaps alternative software does not
solve the business problem as well, or perhaps not as economically.

Is it realistic to expect me to dump the software just to avoid working
around a bug?


> and as a programmer, I would feel ashamed to let one like that out of
> the test environment

On that, I agree with you.


> If this is working as designed, then have the author document that an
> array index error is the expected output, and what to do when it
> occurs.  Get that in writing, and then give that note to your
> management, who can then decide if the author should be paid for his
> 'work' or not.

If I go to a software vendor and tell them that I've encountered an error,
the first thing they do is talk to me like a 2 year old.  After maybe a
day of going back & forth with their tech support, they'll tell me how to
write my program so that I won't get the error.  They sure as hell won't
put "It's my fault" in writing so that I can give it to my management.

If they do, what will my management say?  They'll tell me to work around
the problem.  Do you seriously think my management understands that they
shouldn't produce this error?  Especially if the vendor has provided me
with specific instructions to solve the problem by changing my own
program?

I just hate buying software from vendors.  It never works as well as my
own programs do.  You never get good support or service.  It's always
overpriced.  You never know what you're getting into until you've bought
it and are stuck with it.

I hate computers.