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by pasc1878 1061 days ago
Yes but the right way should be the answer unless it is explicitly stated why they can't use this.

Most readers will be able to use the "right way".

1 comments

No, the best thing is not assume you know better than anyone who will ever ask this. It’s good to mention what the right way is and why but your answer should always include the answer to the question exactly as asked at a minimum.
I agree but sometimes the answer exactly as asked leads to wrong things. So sometimes you don"t provide the answer to the exact question but include the reason why the exact question is not good. This gives the option for the questioner to comment why the exact answer is needed.

My experience with less experienced developers is that they ask the exact question as that is where they have stuck but they are ignorant of the better ways.

I do tend to answer differently depending on the questioners reputation. If they have a higher rep then I can assume they know what they are doing.