Re^2: Sanely modifying running code

spiritway,
It sure is - and? IMO, your answer is like telling teenagers not to have sex because it is bad. The reason for asking the question is to understand what can go wrong, what the alternatives are, and what is the "best" you can do to mitigate risks if you choose to proceed. While in YNSHO, any use of modifying code is insane, I am asking what is the relatively sanest way about doing it.

Cheers - L~R

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Re^3: Sanely modifying running code by spiritway (Vicar) on Mar 14, 2006 at 17:08 UTC
Hi, [id://Limbic~Region]. I think the analogy isn't so much like telling teenagers sex is bad (which, in fact, it isn't), as much as it is saying something like, "sticking your finger in a light socket is not a good idea". For one thing, the payoff is far less rewarding. And the possible downside becomes apparent almost immediately. I guess I don't really see a "best" way to do something that, as far as I can see, is neither necessary nor particularly safe; that has no payoff I can even imagine (which doesn't mean it's not there - it could be my lack of imagination). And no, I don't consider it insane - just leaving yourself open to a world of troubles. I've heard of some amazing things done by people who broke this sort of rule and managed to do it without wreaking havoc. So I guess it can happen - and I wish you the best if you want to do that.	[reply]

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Re^3: Sanely modifying running code
by spiritway (Vicar) on Mar 14, 2006 at 17:08 UTC

Hi, [id://Limbic~Region]. I think the analogy isn't so much like telling teenagers sex is bad (which, in fact, it isn't), as much as it is saying something like, "sticking your finger in a light socket is not a good idea". For one thing, the payoff is far less rewarding. And the possible downside becomes apparent almost immediately.

I guess I don't really see a "best" way to do something that, as far as I can see, is neither necessary nor particularly safe; that has no payoff I can even imagine (which doesn't mean it's not there - it could be my lack of imagination).

And no, I don't consider it *insane* - just leaving yourself open to a world of troubles. I've heard of some amazing things done by people who broke this sort of rule and managed to do it without wreaking havoc. So I guess it can happen - and I wish you the best if you want to do that.

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