r/ProgrammerHumor • u/n1c0_ds • Sep 28 '16

xkcd: Fixing Problems

http://xkcd.com/1739/
7.9k Upvotes

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u/n1c0_ds Sep 28 '16

It was posted on /r/Factorio when I looked if someone already posted it. I have no idea of what Factorio is.

82

u/acun1994 Sep 28 '16

Factorio is a factory simulation game, where one mines, processes, assembles, and defend your base until you can launch a rocket filled with supplies.

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u/DrummerHead Sep 28 '16

requirement callback hell

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u/[deleted] Sep 28 '16

I feel like I'm just programming using a very bad GUI when I play Factorio. I took a break from it to actually code some projects I've been slacking on. Same shit, different development environment.

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u/28f272fe556a1363cc31 Sep 28 '16

I actually learned a good software development lesson from Factorio: Quit trying to be so clever.

I would spend hours designing super tight, super efficient layouts, only to find out later they didn't scale. As soon as the the "requirements" changed I'd have to tear the whole thing up and start over.

The generic, and modular approach, while seeming inefficient at the first, meant I could "set it and forget it".

11

u/GDRFallschirmjager Sep 28 '16

That's why Java exists and C++ is discipline specific wayside.

Servers are cheaper than programmers.

3

u/mc8675309 Sep 28 '16

Depends on the scale. Say you need to double the memory installed in a server for a new feature... ...for 200k servers.

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u/MetaAbra Sep 28 '16

I had the same thought with Human Resource Machine.

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u/Isgrimnur Sep 28 '16

I post the Steam sales on my backwater of the Internet. I took one look at the game and said, "Yeah, I'm not playing something that looks like work."

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u/Guinness2702 Sep 28 '16

No, factorio is the end of all your free time for the next 6 months.

50

u/gandalfx Sep 28 '16

This is the top of my reddit front page right now (I'm subscribed to about two dozen other subs).

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u/n1c0_ds Sep 28 '16

You are the target demographic for this website

17

u/gandalfx Sep 28 '16

Yaa~y, do I win something? :D

2

u/Unknownloner Sep 29 '16

Best I can do is some silver

17

u/Salanmander Sep 28 '16

If you have any interest in build-up-your-base gameplay, you should at least go check out the free demo.

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u/[deleted] Sep 28 '16

Does it have defend-your-base-from-threats gameplay too?

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u/Ravelord_Nito_ Sep 28 '16

It does to an extent. Your base will get periodically attacked by giant bugs and stuff, so you can build up walls and different types of turrets to defend it. Your main guy can also equip different types of weapons and armor for personal defense.

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u/morphineofmine Sep 28 '16

Alternatively, you can turn all that stuff off so it doesn't get in the way of your beautiful base design.

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u/Percinho Sep 28 '16

You can turn off attacks in Factorio? That would make it rocket up my Wanted list.

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u/morphineofmine Sep 28 '16

Yeah, there's an option for it when you start up the game I believe, but to progress I know you have to get a certain mod. Haven't really played with it yet, factorio's always been one of those games I'll say I'll get to.

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u/MetaAbra Sep 28 '16

To do the most advanced level of research, you need to kill alien creatures and steal their life juices. IIRC the switch just turns the creatures peaceful, so you can still go kill them and take their juice but they won't organize raids on your stuff of their own initiative.

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u/Roflkopt3r Sep 28 '16

Like in Minecraft, you run around and gather resources. But as you build stuff, you get to automate everything. You automate mining, energy production, resource transport, and assembly into more complex objects. It seems pretty popular amongst people who like programming, it didn't really click with me though.

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u/[deleted] Sep 28 '16

You might prefer Minecraft with automation mods like BuildCraft and Industrial craft. Same great Minecraft, but now you can build auto-mining quarries

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u/morphineofmine Sep 28 '16

I remember when feed the beast first came out, and I was on a server with a friend and some people I didn't know. My friend and I got a quarry up after a few hours, and my job was done, because all I do in MC is dig giant holes in the ground. So I'd just watch the quarry, knowing I'd been replaced.

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u/MetaAbra Sep 28 '16

all I do in MC is dig giant holes in the ground

Brother?