[Profan]

I'd say lines of code does matter if the set of functionality is the same, i'd wager that, if you have the same functionality in less lines of code, generally it's easier to verify that it's correct + avoid daft bugs.

.. Unless it's written in a completely uncomprehensible way of course (such as some meta c++ stuff), but in languages with good metaprogramming.

[arcanus]

Scientific software should absolutely, always be verified through regression and unit tests. Anything less is non-negotiable.

In a decade of work in hpc and computational science, I have very seldom found looking at the code to be a useful tool for either verification or debugging.

Instead, use the scientific method: hypothesis testing by constructing simple examples with known analytic solutions and using that for clues as to where the real problem lies.

[angersock]

Scientific software should absolutely, always be verified through regression and unit tests. Anything less is non-negotiable.

I like your world. Let's live there. :)