Re: Trigger programme without a trigger.

Simon Coulter wrote:

I have seen far too many questions on this list for the form:

I need to do X but can't use (insert obvious method here) because the Boss says no.

But nowhere is it explained why "the Boss" says no or objects to the obvious method. Do none of you question "the Boss"? Do none of you argue with "the Boss"? Honestly, if "the Boss" is being stupid or has no rational reason for the requirement someone should point it out.

I would even go so far as to say that as software professionals, we are are ethically _required_ to think about and question the requirements we are given. I've been reading a really interesting book recently called "A Gift of Fire" by Sara Baase, which includes a very interesting discussion on the topic of professionalism in software development. If you really start thinking about the potential social and economic ramifications of poorly designed software, it becomes clear that software professionals really have a responsibility to do things the "right" way whenever possible.