Speak now
Please Wait Image Converting Into Text...
Embark on a journey of knowledge! Take the quiz and earn valuable credits.
Challenge yourself and boost your learning! Start the quiz now to earn credits.
Unlock your potential! Begin the quiz, answer questions, and accumulate credits along the way.
General Tech Technology & Software 2 years ago
Posted on 16 Aug 2022, this text provides information on Technology & Software related to General Tech. Please note that while accuracy is prioritized, the data presented might not be entirely correct or up-to-date. This information is offered for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and should not be considered as a substitute for professional advice.
Turn Your Knowledge into Earnings.
On occasion on SO, I've noticed that certain users like to post answers that may solve the problem, but intentionally do it with a methodology that's different from the one specified in the OP and/or its tags.
Examples:
Q: How do I do such-and-such in csh? Tags: [unix] [csh] A: Don't use csh. [inserts link to blog that bashes csh]. In bash, you can do it easily by...
Q: How do I do such-and-such in csh? Tags: [unix] [csh]
A: Don't use csh. [inserts link to blog that bashes csh]. In bash, you can do it easily by...
or
Q: How do I do such-and-such using GrigBagLayout? Tags: [java] [swing] [gridbaglayout] A: GridBag sucks. [inserts link to blog that bashes GBL]. The only layout manager you should ever be using is MigLayout, and here's how to do it...
Q: How do I do such-and-such using GrigBagLayout? Tags: [java] [swing] [gridbaglayout]
A: GridBag sucks. [inserts link to blog that bashes GBL]. The only layout manager you should ever be using is MigLayout, and here's how to do it...
I feel that the proper procedure would be to ask the user, in a comment in the OP, if they are restricted to using technology X, and if they would consider using alternate technology Y. For all we know, technology Y:
And, even if the OP is able to use technology Y, future visitors with the same question may not.
I feel that it takes away from the usefuleness of a Q&A site like SO. Users come to SO with a question, and search for the answer among similar questions using tags and keywords to help aid in the search. If the answers don't correlate to the tags and/or keywords in the OP, then finding answers becomes more difficult.
Let me be clear: If it happens once in a while, I don't think it's that big of a deal, and may actually be useful on occasion.
It's the serial offenders, who seem to hawk certain tags so thay can push their technology preferences, that kinda rubs me the wrong way. It almost feels like advertising, or that some agenda is being shoved down my throat.
We all know that there are several "holy wars" in the programming community (bracing style, perl vs. python, etc.). SO seems to make every effort to restrict this.
So, should I just turn a blind eye, or call them out on it (and if so, how)?
EDIT (for clarification of my question):
There are many useful/helpful answers and comments here that seem to address the general topic of:
"Is it okay to offer answer in a different technology from what is asked and/or tagged in the question?"
That's all well and good, but not really what I'm asking. Perhaps I haven't been clear about my question, which is a little more specific.
What I have an issue with are the posters who seemingly are hunting down topics or tags, with the sole purpose of boasting about their preferred technology, being sure to rail against the technology asked, and doing it over and over and over again.
There are times when I find myself saying, "hey, I think I remember this guy preaching the same thing in another thread." Then I look up answers from that user on the same topic and they pretty much don't seem to have the capacity to answer a question about X without railing against it and preaching about Y.
It's the whole "agenda thing" (see Steve Bennett's answer) that rubs me the wrong way.
Should I just ignore, or call them out on it?
The help center says this about answering questions (emphasis mine)...
Answer the question Read the question carefully. What, specifically, is the question asking for? Make sure your answer provides that – or a viable alternative. The answer can be “don’t do that”, but it should also include “try this instead”. Any answer that gets the asker going in the right direction is helpful, but do try to mention any limitations, assumptions or simplifications in your answer. Brevity is acceptable, but fuller explanations are better.
Answer the question
Read the question carefully. What, specifically, is the question asking for? Make sure your answer provides that – or a viable alternative. The answer can be “don’t do that”, but it should also include “try this instead”. Any answer that gets the asker going in the right direction is helpful, but do try to mention any limitations, assumptions or simplifications in your answer. Brevity is acceptable, but fuller explanations are better.
So, absolutely it's fine to do. It's common to see it where asker is using arrays, academic looking posts, and answers offer up a vector or ArrayList. I think unless explicitly stated in the question such and such must be used, anything's fair game. Part of why folks are here is to learn.
vector
ArrayList
No matter what stage you're at in your education or career, TuteeHub will help you reach the next level that you're aiming for. Simply,Choose a subject/topic and get started in self-paced practice sessions to improve your knowledge and scores.
General Tech 9 Answers
General Tech 7 Answers
General Tech 3 Answers
General Tech 2 Answers
Ready to take your education and career to the next level? Register today and join our growing community of learners and professionals.