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by SonicSoul 3977 days ago
yes there is this overhead, but it also reduces dependency on any specific framework, avoids using big one-size-fits-all monoliths, let's you choose the best tool for the job, makes your team a lot more well rounded by understanding pros and cons of each of those libraries.
2 comments
edwinnathaniel 3976 days ago
What if they _are not_ the best tool for the job largely because these tools just _get started_ (e.g.: v 0.1/0.2) and less mature?

Let's compare it with the evolution of Maven. Yes, I heard hatred and grumbling whenever Maven is mentioned but darn, that's a solid software. Old Maven, version 1 was OK, version 2 was solid, version 3 (or 4?) is when they address polishing issues and perhaps making a leap joining the new kids on the block (Gradle) by listening to the community and figure out a roadmap (I heard something about programmatically do stuff with Groovy... in Maven).

Sometimes one need to let the tools maturing and evolving before dropping judgement and roll yet-another-too-simple-tool and call it solving problems that the other tools did not do well (and for ego, of course, name a developer that has none..)

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joesmo 3977 days ago
I don't see how this reduces dependencies on any specific framework or in any way affects that at all. I'm the one who chooses what dependencies and frameworks I work with. The only way these tools affect which dependencies I choose is that they limit the ones that can work with each other. Nor does it "avoid using big one-size-fits-all monoliths," because that wasn't a problem I had in the first place. The article is about build tools in case you haven't noticed.

It does not let me choose the right tool for the job. That's exactly what I'm describing in the post. It forces you to use whatever the authors of library X thought is the right tool for the job. And the authors of library Y and the authors of library Z ... etc. to the point where it becomes impossible to actually work with libraries from different sources together unless you manually manage them.

It does not make the team a lot more rounded to learn and understand a bunch of build tools that do the same thing as each other. What would make it more rounded is if these tools weren't so shitty, worked together, and there was only one of them so they could focus on actually building stuff instead of mentally masturbating about stupid build tools that don't work.

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