Every engineer has different logic and habits when it comes to writing code.
It’s like reaching the same destination on a map, using different routes and modes of transportation.
When seeking efficiency, one might hop into a cab to quickly arrive via the shortest route to their destination.
However, for those wishing to understand the city better, taking a stroll, wandering through alleys, offers a more profound sense of the local culture and life’s traces.
Writing code follows a similar path. Since I aimed not for the normal engineering ‘efficiency,’ which entails finding the shortest route, no engineer knew how to write it. I needed to learn the programming language, constructing it bit by bit.
After passing the teacher’s classroom exams, I began writing as I had imagined. Other classmates sent by various companies found it unusual and gathered around curiously.
“Don’t follow his lead! Huang Yi’s coding style will get you fired when you return to your company!”
Everyone laughed heartily.
Because in my code, KUKA’s actions on the assembly line significantly differed from standard, performing actions that were considered unnecessary for a factory emphasizing ‘efficiency.’ Straight lines were just that—straight lines—without the need to turn. The shorter the time, the better, and rhythm was unimportant.
However, I believe that industrial or craft beauty isn’t just about efficiency.
When looking at a well-designed industrial chip or mechanical structure, I experience it as if admiring a painting or sculpture. From this point, I trace connections and understand its responsible function. Similar to the human body’s structure, through blood vessels and neural connections, conveying the operation and information among organs.
The aesthetic sense in coding is similar. A beautifully written code, like a meticulously arranged and interpreted dance, harmonizes and balances functionality (content and form) with aesthetics, without any unnecessary elements.
Actually, the ‘efficiency-oriented’ approach writes much faster than the ‘beauty-oriented’ one.
Because a straight line from point A to point B is sufficient and quickly achieved.
Similar to dancing—lying down, standing, sitting, or jumping—are actions most of people can do.
But infusing feelings into lying, standing, sitting, or jumping requires more time and carving out textures.
So, no engineer is willing to write that; it’s too time-consuming.
But no engineer can grasp the imagery in my mind; it’s too challenging. Writing it myself is most appropriate.
Just as everyone’s writing style reflects their personality, the process of coding is akin to conversing with oneself.
Through each line of code and sentence,
Getting to know myself better.
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“Huang Yi & Kuka” 1-4 AUG 2024 in Taipei 
Get Tickets | https://www.opentix.life/event/1779729194769596417