Softcoding: Difference between revisions

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'''Softcoding''' is a [[computer programming|computer coding]] term that refers to obtaining a value or function from some external resource, such as [[text files]], [[INI file]]s, [[preprocessor]] [[Macro (computer science)|macros]], external constants, [[configuration file]]s, [[command-line]] arguments, databases, user input, HTTP server responses. It is the opposite of [[hardcoding]], which refers to coding values and functions in the source code.

==Programming practice==

Avoiding hard-coding of commonly altered values is good programming practice. Users of the software should be able to customize it to their needs, within reason, without having to edit the program's source code. Similarly, careful programmers avoid [[Magic number (programming)#Unnamed numerical constants|magic numbers]] in their code, to improve its readability, and assist maintenance. These practices are generally not referred to as 'softcoding'.

The term is generally used where softcoding becomes an [[anti-pattern]]. Abstracting too many values and features can introduce more complexity and maintenance issues than would be experienced with changing the code when required. Softcoding, in this sense, was featured in an article on [[The Daily WTF]].<ref>[http://thedailywtf.com/Articles/Soft_Coding.aspx Softcoding] from [[The Daily WTF]]</ref>

==Potential problems==

At the extreme end, soft-coded programs develop their own poorly designed and implemented scripting languages, and configuration files that require advanced programming skills to edit. This can lead to the production of utilities to assist in configuring the original program, and these utilities often end up being 'softcoded' themselves.

The boundary between proper configurability and problematic soft-coding changes with the style and nature of a program. Closed-source programs must be very configurable<!-- but generally aren't! -->, as the end user does not have access to the source to make any changes. In-house software and software with limited distribution can be less configurable, as distributing altered copies is simpler. Custom-built web applications are often best with limited configurability, as altering the scripts is seldom any harder than altering a configuration file. <!-- Witness the scores of CMS systems that are so much harder to work with than a bunch of html files in www/data! -->

To avoid 'softcoding', consider the value to the end user of any additional flexibility you provide, and compare it with the increased complexity and related ongoing maintenance costs the added configurability involves.

==Achieving flexibility==

Several legitimate design patterns exist for achieving the flexibility that softcoding attempts to provide. An application requiring more flexibility than is appropriate for a configuration file may benefit from the incorporation of a [[scripting language]]. In many cases, the appropriate design is a [[___domain-specific language]] integrated into an established scripting language. Another approach is to move most of an application's functionality into a library, providing an API for writing related applications quickly.

==Other meanings==

In [[feature design]], softcoding has other meanings.

* [[Hardcoding]]: feature is coded to the system not allowing for configuration

* [[Parameter|Parametric]]: feature is configurable via table driven, or properties files with limited parametric values

* Softcoding: feature uses “engines” that derive results based on any number of parametric values (i.e. business rules in [[Business rules engine|BRE]]); rules are coded but exist as parameters in system, written in script form

==See also==

* [[Self-modifying code]]

* [[Inner-platform effect]]

* [[Rule of least power]]

==References==

{{reflist}}

[[Category:Computer programming]]

[[Category:Anti-patterns]]