In our technical IF forum (fachliches IF-Forum) of June, 24th, at Unterhaching, Thomas Vallon made quite a huge impression on our guests when he asked “Is Computer Science a Craft”?
During his presentation, he described parallels between modern software development and building a cathedral that are quite obvious when you take a closer look. In medieval times, building cathedrals was an exceptional craft. Each cathedral was a true mammoth project with its respective challenges.
Indeed, we discover that there are quite a few things they have in common. Besides, we also discover surprising “philosophical” parallels between our self-perception as software developers and those courageous medieval builders and craftsmen.
For instance, it took a very long time to build a cathedral. Sometimes, this led to different architectural epochs being prevalent while a single building was constructed (for example Gothic and Romanesque). In practice, this meant that a cathedral that was still under construction suddenly looked old-fashioned and badly needed renovation.
Since people believed in agility, they changed plans while they were in the process of building. They also modified, demolished and/or re-built entire sections of a building. There is hardly any cathedral where this was not done.
And through the entire process of “development” (while the cathedral was built), the “operation” (that is the basic function of a Lord’s house) had to continue undisturbed.
Apart from that, many cathedrals also prove in an impressive way what the craftsmen concerned with the edifice considered their “professional honour”. For example, many figures on the facade of Notre Dame have been worked with the same degree of accuracy at the back of the building and high up, although the artist certainly must have known that there was hardly going to be another human who would see it in the near future.
Well, this was only for wetting your appetite. If you want to read something really exciting, here is the manuscript.
Thomas Vallon – Ist die Informatik ein Handwerk?
Do read it!
The background images used during the presentation (designed by Johannes Naumann) are also highly recommendable:
Hintergrundbilder zum Vortrag (6)
I was particularly moved when Thomas dedicated the presentation to me as a present for my sixtieth birthday.
Thank you, Thomas!
RMD
(Translated by EG)
P.S.
What a pity that we do not have a video or audio tape of the presentation. But maybe we will manage next time!
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