Section 2.4. Problem Definition Before Solution

2.4. Problem Definition Before Solution

A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing. Frequently, people may have read or heard about new or unusual techniqueswhich in some cases can indeed be quite interestingand then they will try to fit their problem to one of these new solutions. Ordinary developers and architects often jump quickly on to such "solutions," which often turn out to be at the root of many subsequent problems.

At the top of the list of ready-made solutions, we usually meet denormalization. Blissfully unaware of the update nightmare that it turns out to be in practice, denormalization advocates often suggest it at an early stage in the hunt for "performance"--and in fact often at a point in the development cycle when better design (or learning how to use joins) is still an option. A particular type of denormalization, the materialized view, is also often seen as being something of a panacea. (Materialized views are sometimes referred to as snapshots , a less impressive term, but one that is closer to the sad reality: copies of data at one point in time.) This is not to say that sometimes, as a last resort option, theoretically questionable techniques cannot be used. To quote Franz Kafka: "Logic is doubtless unshakable, but it cannot withstand a man who wants to go on living."

But the immense majority of problems can be solved using fairly traditional techniques in an intelligent manner. Learn first how to get the best of simple, traditional techniques. It's only when you can fully master them that you will be able to appreciate their limitations, and then to truly be able to judge the potential advantage (if any) of new technical solutions.

All technological solutions are merely means to an end; the great danger for the inexperienced developer is that the attractions of the latest technology become an end in themselves. And the danger is all the greater for enthusiastic, curious, and technically minded individuals!

Foundations before Fashion: learn your craft before playing with the latest tools.