[adamnemecek]

How do you determine the return value of a C function? You look at the function prototype. How do you determine the return value of a Python function? You have to read the whole thing. If you are working with large code bases, reading the whole thing is not really possible.

[taeric]

You are just trying to make an appealing argument. This literally adds nothing to the debate. A simple survey of open source software would be more convincing. And even that wouldn't be definitive.

[adamnemecek]

Where's the appeal in my argument? It was an example.

[taeric]

It is an appeal to how logical the example seems. That is, it sounds like it would be applicable "at large." However, evidence seems to show that, "at large," it is mostly a non sequitor.

That is, you get better systems the more programmers you have that do have a good grasp on the whole system. Ironically, you have better arguments against knowing specifics of the system -- that is, at the individual function level -- than you do the high level picture. Consider, Linus knows the linux kernel better than I can really comprehend. I doubt he knows every function's return value.