Why source texts do not solve a problem understanding the programs?

[Pechenin AV <illd_(_at_)_yandex_(_dot_)_ru>]

Given fact in the next once has confirmed my opinion that
"Motion for open source texts" ("Open Source Software")
does not provide even in this enough light (for real projects)
event decisions of problem of understanding the programs. Fortunately,
so think not only I one. In particular, is noted that central
question in practical person of programming - question about understanding
the programme texts. Always well have sources, but problem consists in that
that absolutely their not enough. To understand certain not trivial program,
is usually required additional documentation. This need grows exponential with
growing of volume of code. The Analysis of texts of programs, directed on
recovering the initial design decisions, taken by developers, and understanding
the programs are two important branches of technology of programming, existance
which indissoluble connected with insufficiency of source texts for understanding
the programs. As example try to understand the structure not trivial compiler
provided that you do not dispose any determination of that language, which they
are compiled.

Possible, most known prohibited book "Commentary on Unix in histories
of computer sciences: With Source Code",
contained high-volume description of source texts UNIX alongside
with used algorithms. It illegal was copied and spread more than
20 years since moment its first publication in 1977.

If you did not take any participations in work on project, as from its
early stages, that difficulty and volume practically "close" from you
source texts provided that is absent documentation of high level.
Understanding "prehistorical" code in the event of absence of initial
developers or identical documentation, allowing understand with corresponding
to architectral decisions, is, probably, one of the the most difficult types of
programmer's activity".

And else. "Exist some worthy free programs, type which does not disgust?
Hitherto, in spite of abudance of free code, normal programs amongst
it terribly little!"

About that, to that this brings, well has said the great russian mathematician,
academician L. С. Pontryagin: "Only well executed work gives the joy!
Executed carelessly, it disgusts and gradually works out in person amoral
attitude to labour".


Respectfully yours, Pechenin Alexandr