Re^2: Should code that does not use strict even be considered here?

While I agree with most of your points, I do think many people fail by over-snippetizing code they post. In many, many cases I've seen, the part of code with an actual error is in the part that gets cut. I think a really good principle is to paste some stripped down version of the code (complete with enough variable definitions and data) that can actually be run by itself and produces the non-desired output. Often the mere act of composing such code answers the question, and if it doesn't, it greatly clarifies where the problem is.

That said, I agree that if "use strict;" and/or "use warnings;" doesn't affect the code one way or the other, it might be worthwhile to mention it as a guideline, but the absence shouldn't stop anyone from helping with the real problem.

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Re^3: Should code that does not use strict even be considered here? by JavaFan (Canon) on Apr 09, 2009 at 14:46 UTC
That said, I agree that if "use strict;" and/or "use warnings;" doesn't affect the code one way or the other, it might be worthwhile to mention it as a guideline, Why? There millions of "good advices" one could give, but giving it to people without having any idea whether they already know that is irritating. If you ask the way to someone, and his response is "wear your seatbelts", are you happy for the good advice given? You probably already know it, it doesn't help you at all the solve your current problem, and the one who can give you directions moves on, thinking you already got help. Leave the uttering of irrelevant good advices to ones mother. And don't forget to wear a coat outside, or you'll catch a cold! (I expect many ++'s for this good advice).	[reply]
Re^4: Should code that does not use strict even be considered here? by Eimi Metamorphoumai (Deacon) on Apr 09, 2009 at 15:04 UTC
If I ask directions from someone, and get the right answer, and I'm not wearing a seatbelt, I don't mind being told also "By the way, the cops around here are really strict about seatbelts; you might want to buckle up before you get a ticket". Similarly, if I see code that declares all of its variables, I probably won't mention anything. But if it's obvious that adding "`strict`" reveals undeclared variables or other problems, it seems worthwhile to point it out, particularly if the user seems new or not particularly knowledgeable. If they know they can ignore it; otherwise, they'll learn eventually, and probably the hard way. And thanks, I'd forgotten to check the weather before I left, and it is a bit chilly.	[reply] [d/l]
Re^4: Should code that does not use strict even be considered here? by BrowserUk (Patriarch) on Apr 09, 2009 at 15:28 UTC
If you aren't wearing your seatbelt, but are not interested in the advise that you should, you're obviously asking the wrong question! Yet another clear case of the XY problem. :) Examine what is said, not who speaks -- Silence betokens consent -- Love the truth but pardon error. "Science is about questioning the status quo. Questioning authority". In the absence of evidence, opinion is indistinguishable from prejudice. "Too many [] have been sedated by an oppressive environment of political correctness and risk aversion."	[reply]