#legacy apps

[omnepresents]

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[stealingpotatoes]

my piece for the @tronfashionzine!! you can check out the full zine n everyone else's great stuff here!!!

(commission info // tip jar!)

[thoughtcontainment]

As someone who makes a living by maintaining a 25 year old set of apps for a client in London, the OP is completely correct in every way. We're in the process of migrating the apps to new hardware and software, and we expect this to take about 18 months. IMO upgrading the Social Security code would take years. The reasons for this is the complexity of the task . The main issue here is interlocking dependencies - If we upgrade component X, then we have to upgrade feature Y, because the current version of feature Y won't work with upgraded component X. But feature Y requires the latest version of package Z to work. So we have to upgrade package Z first, providing upgrading package Z doesn't break the code. This sort of work has been my life since last August. And I absolutely agree that having AI do the work for a critical codebase is sketchy, based on my usage of AI in software development. When asking AI for help, it typically provides the most popular answer, ignoring the specifics in my query. And sometimes the code it creates is simply wrong.

Women pulling Lever on a Drilling Machine, 1978 Lee, Howl & Company Ltd., Tipton, Staffordshire, England photograph by Nick Hedges image credit: Nick Hedges Photography

* * * *

Tim Boudreau 

About the whole DOGE-will-rewrite Social Security's COBOL code in some new language thing, since this is a subject I have a whole lot of expertise in, a few anecdotes and thoughts.

Some time in the early 2000s I was doing some work with the real-time Java team at Sun, and there was a huge defense contractor with a peculiar query: Could we document how much memory an instance of every object type in the JDK uses? And could we guarantee that that number would never change, and definitely never grow, in any future Java version?

I remember discussing this with a few colleagues in a pub after work, and talking it through, and we all arrived at the conclusion that the only appropriate answer to this question as "Hell no." and that it was actually kind of idiotic.

Say you've written the code, in Java 5 or whatever, that launches nuclear missiles. You've tested it thoroughly, it's been reviewed six ways to Sunday because you do that with code like this (or you really, really, really should). It launches missiles and it works.

A new version of Java comes out. Do you upgrade? No, of course you don't upgrade. It works. Upgrading buys you nothing but risk. Why on earth would you? Because you could blow up the world 10 milliseconds sooner after someone pushes the button?

It launches fucking missiles. Of COURSE you don't do that.

There is zero reason to ever do that, and to anyone managing such a project who's a grownup, that's obvious. You don't fuck with things that work just to be one of the cool kids. Especially not when the thing that works is life-or-death (well, in this case, just death).

Another case: In the mid 2000s I trained some developers at Boeing. They had all this Fortran materials analysis code from the 70s - really fussy stuff, so you could do calculations like, if you have a sheet of composite material that is 2mm of this grade of aluminum bonded to that variety of fiberglass with this type of resin, and you drill a 1/2" hole in it, what is the effect on the strength of that airplane wing part when this amount of torque is applied at this angle. Really fussy, hard-to-do but when-it's-right-it's-right-forever stuff.

They were taking a very sane, smart approach to it: Leave the Fortran code as-is - it works, don't fuck with it - just build a nice, friendly graphical UI in Java on top of it that *calls* the code as-is.

We are used to broken software. The public has been trained to expect low quality as a fact of life - and the industry is rife with "agile" methodologies *designed* to churn out crappy software, because crappy guarantees a permanent ongoing revenue stream. It's an article of faith that everything is buggy (and if it isn't, we've got a process or two to sell you that will make it that way).

It's ironic. Every other form of engineering involves moving parts and things that wear and decay and break. Software has no moving parts. Done well, it should need *vastly* less maintenance than your car or the bridges it drives on. Software can actually be *finished* - it is heresy to say it, but given a well-defined problem, it is possible to actually *solve* it and move on, and not need to babysit or revisit it. In fact, most of our modern technological world is possible because of such solved problems. But we're trained to ignore that.

Yeah, COBOL is really long-in-the-tooth, and few people on earth want to code in it. But they have a working system with decades invested in addressing bugs and corner-cases.

Rewriting stuff - especially things that are life-and-death - in a fit of pique, or because of an emotional reaction to the technology used, or because you want to use the toys all the cool kids use - is idiotic. It's immaturity on display to the world.

Doing it with AI that's going to read COBOL code and churn something out in another language - so now you have code no human has read, written and understands - is simply insane. And the best software translators plus AI out there, is going to get things wrong - grievously wrong. And the odds of anyone figuring out what or where before it leads to disaster are low, never mind tracing that back to the original code and figuring out what that was supposed to do.

They probably should find their way off COBOL simply because people who know it and want to endure using it are hard to find and expensive. But you do that gradually, walling off parts of the system that work already and calling them from your language-du-jour, not building any new parts of the system in COBOL, and when you do need to make a change in one of those walled off sections, you migrate just that part.

We're basically talking about something like replacing the engine of a plane while it's flying. Now, do you do that a part-at-a-time with the ability to put back any piece where the new version fails? Or does it sound like a fine idea to vaporize the existing engine and beam in an object which a next-word-prediction software *says* is a contraption that does all the things the old engine did, and hope you don't crash?

The people involved in this have ZERO technical judgement.

[myokk]

💘💘💘

[warwickroyals]

ONE OF THOSE EARLY SPRING SNOWS.

MARCH, 2025

[honeyed-blossom]

ever since the Super Bowl I’ve been plagued by this tubi commercial everywhere ifykyk and well, last night, I had this 2am nightmare of an idea and I just had to sketch it out….

read at your own risk 🫣

ok some aftercare bc this was slightly unhinged of me 🥲✌️

[polarmoon]

🏜️🧡 meet josie, my occult legacy challenge founder :]

gonna be more lowkey with this one, for whenever i'm burnt out on my other saves and wanna turn my brain off lol. we'll see if i stick to it!

[candlelightisland]

buncha bb's first date looks ;-;

knox stopped coming over so she decided paint her nails and try that app thing out that everybody's talking about

[multiversal-wanderings]

Is this a sign

[latymerct]

WIP

Tagged by lovely @lycowarrior (I’m shining special light on forgotten ominis today)

This was supposed to be a double feature, one of ominis and one of Sebastian. 2 pieces to a puzzle I guess. might revisit

[kiwiplaetzchen]

[limonnitsa]

a quick explanation how Ida's ancient magic works

as soon as ancient magic is charged, she can't use any other spell

[myokk]

Honestly I just saw this “more posts like this” and🥹🥹 idk…it’s really cool to see all of these fanarts together!!!🫶

Lots of times I feel like I’m still figuring out this style bc I just started drawing like this in April/May…and even though I know I have a lot to learn, I feel like I’m slowly evolving into an art style I love💓

[ravenwind-75]

Happy New Year

Don’t ask why I wrote this. It’s not even my best. But it’s mostly for @morelikeravenbore to show my Sebastian love because she’s convinced all I have for him is pain 😂

(Sorry Ominis is in there too he just spawned 😅)

(Not edited forgive mistakes, tired brain)

…….

You didn’t expect Sebastian to find his way into your Room of Requirement the eve of New Years. You’d expected him to be down in the dungeons at the Slytherin party with all the dramatics, like him. He loved the action and fire whiskey, probably some girls too. But you’d find out you wrongly judged.

You are having a party of your own blasting music at top volume as the fwoopers sang along flying free above you. You hate big parties, the introvert you are. Seventh year had been draining enough and you didn’t want to risk your first kiss being stolen by some random boy who wanted to kiss the hero of Hogwarts on New Years for some kind of sick idea of a luck charm.

But when your eyes catch sight of him watching you with amused adoration, leaning against the wall with a cocky little smile as you belt out “Dance With somebody” by Whitney Houston, you freeze. He laughs, “What? Don’t stop on my account. I was rather enjoying the show.” You blushed crimson. That chuckle always did something to you.

“Sebastian what are you doing here?” You groan in fake annoyance, turning the music down. “Shouldn’t you be partying with the others, drinking and kissing girls, watching the fireworks or something?

Sebastian frowns and makes his way over to you, looking down at the small young woman crossing her arms at him. “Do you really think so little of me? That I’m like those boys you’re avoiding?” He asks softly, his brown eyes sad and searching yours. “Cause darling I’m not.”

You don’t know what to say, your attitude slipping away. He’s so earnest and he’s there with you not them. Perhaps he’s different after all. Did you really get to know him besides all your adventures? No you hadn’t, you had been so wrapped up in yourself.

You sigh, deflating under his gaze. “Well why did you come Sebastian? Why aren’t you with Ominis?”

He grins in victory at your defeat. “Oh I am. He’s here.” He gestures with his head and you see Ominis sitting on your sofa silently listening to you both.

“We agreed it wasn’t right that you greet the New Year alone, especially when you have been a major part of our lives, improving every year we spend with you. Plus Ominis doesn’t like the noise either.”

“Though I don’t mind your music if you turn it down a bit.” Ominis pipes up. “Your voice isn’t bad either.”

You find yourself blushing once again. “Alright I guess it’s fine if you stay. I would like the company.” You find yourself smiling, Sebastian’s grin was very contagious.

“Now about that music…” Sebastian says, reaching past you to turn up the volume once more before pulling you into his arms. You find yourself laughing as he spins you around and sways you back and forth.

You laugh in surprise as he holds his wand upside down like a microphone, singing to you the chorus of “I want it that way.”, your sides aching as he falls to his knees dramatically.

You reach down to pull him to his feet and gasp when he pulls you close to his chest, burying his face in your hair as he whispers next to your ear. “You are my fire, my one desire, believe when I say…” He pulls back to stare into your eyes, his lips almost on yours…”I want it-“

Ominis’s clearing of his throat interrupts the tension between you and Sebastian and the meeting of lips.

“I would like a dance now Sebastian if you don’t mind.” The smirk in the corner of his mouth at Sebastian’s muttered approval tells you he knew what you nearly just did. “Save it for midnight.” He tells you as you dance to a slower song. “I know you like each other. But Sebastian would benefit from learning a little patience don’t you think?

You sneak a glance over Ominis’s tall shoulder at Sebastian’s clear jealous expression and stifle a giggle in your hand. “Yeah he definitely could, but how long do you think we should make him wait?” Ominis hums in thought as you continue to glide around the room, you resting your head on his chest. His steady presence was comforting.

“A few minutes afterwards I think.” He finally says.

“You’re really trying to kill him aren’t you?

“Just a little.” He then hands you back to a very jealous Sebastian who clutches you closer than before. “What did he say to you?” He demands.

“Oh he just confessed his undying love for me.” You tease watching his eyes widen in shock and fear.

You laugh, flicking his nose. “I’m teasing Sebastian. He wouldn’t steal his best friend’s girl.”

“H-his girl?” He sputtered.

“I mean I thought-“ you stammer, insecure.

“Yeah, yeah you are my girl. Glad he knows that.” He says recovering amazingly, dipping you.

It continues that way all night, Sebastian sweeping you off your feet leaving you breathless and Ominis then pulls you away giving you a chance to breathe.

Eventually the three of you crash on the sofa, your legs across Sebastian’s lap, his arm wrapped around your waist possessively, his head on your shoulder and yours on Ominis’s who sipped tea.

“It’s nearly midnight.” You finally say and Ominis smiles into his cup at Sebastian’s tired groan.

“I shouldn’t have danced so much, my sides ache.” He moaned, snuggling closer making you giggle. “I want to go to bed now….” He whines softly.

“Poor little boy can’t stay up past his bedtime? No kisses for you then I suppose.” Ominis smirks as Sebastian shoots up with a shout.

“What?!”

“You’ll have to wait and see.”

Sebastian shot a half glare smile at Ominis and looks between you two, his smirking friends. “You two are up to something aren’t you?” He then looks down at you, his gaze playful, “I’ll be patient, for now.” His voice was almost a whisper and its promise sent a shiver down your spine.

You fight it off, leaning back into the couch, eyes drifting to the lone clock in the corner. It is only minutes from midnight and the anticipation was killing you. You are moments from your first kiss. The magic of the night, the lingering tension between the three of you was amplifying the air. The music still plays quietly in the background but you can only hear the pounding of your heart.

The clock strikes midnight and Sebastian leans towards you but Ominis pulls you across his lap to his other side, “Ahh Sebastian you forgot consent. You don’t kiss a lady without permission.”

Ominis ignores Sebastian’s protests and calmly places his cup down, stands up and offers you his hand. “Another dance my lady?” You take his offer.

“Come on MC can I?”

“In a bit Seb, I’m dancing.”

Finally the two of you decide you have tortured poor Sebastian enough and when Ominis gently pushes you towards him Sebastian he seizes the chance.

You barely register his arms around your waist before his lips are on yours, passionate and claiming to make up for all the time lost. His hands cup your face pulling you closer as if he never wanted to let you go.

Ominis, in his usual dry sarcasm clears his throat loudly behind you. “So he can be patient, but that was definitely long overdue. You belong together.”

You’re touched by his sincerity. “Really Omi?”

“Yes. You make each other happy and you deserve it after all you two have been through.”

Sebastian pulls you closer, pressing a kiss to your temple. “Thanks Ominis. We have you to thank for putting up with us pining for so long.”

“And I guess snogging every moment now I suppose.” Ominis sighed regretfully.

Sebastian wraps an arm around him. “Yep you’re stuck with us forever.”

“Lucky me.”

And the three of you end the night in the ocean vivarium watching the fireworks Sebastian learned to shoot from his wand, lying side by side in the sand.

“Happy new year boys, I’m glad I have you.”

“Same to you MC. Same to you.”

- the end

[jndzine]

JnD zine looking for mods!

Who?

Jak and Daxter fans! Maybe you :3?

What?

A sfw art zine to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Jak 3! It will be printed, with a digital version available as well. There might even be a merch bundle ;)

When?

Mod applications open on April 27th. The rest of the projected schedule can be found here. 

Aiming for preorders to open on the 20th anniversary (Nov. 9th)!

Where?

You can find us on Tumblr, Xitter, IG, and Bsky! We will also have a private Discord for mods and contributors.

Why?

JnD is a beloved franchise that deserves to be celebrated. Not much official merch exists, so it's time to make some of our own! And who knows 👀 maybe if we make enough noise, something will happen

Additionally, any profits from the zine will be donated to The River Otter Ecology Project!

Mod info!

All mods and contributors will receive a free copy of the zine.

We're looking for people to fill these roles:

Organizers: run the Discord and help contributors meet deadlines 

Graphics: make graphics for social posts and zine page decor

Marketing: draft and post on socials according to schedule

Requirements: must be friendly, more-or-less organized, and able to work with a team. No experience required, though it's a plus!

More info to come when mod applications open on the 27th.

@zinefeed @all-zine-apps @zine-scene

[troythecatfish]