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This week, we partnered with our friends at @AdobeXD and @sketch to move away from the "master component" terminology.
Predictably, we were met with a few replies from haters who thought we were being too "PC".
1/n https://twitter.com/zoink/status/1285602382169214976
Predictably, we were met with a few replies from haters who thought we were being too "PC".
1/n https://twitter.com/zoink/status/1285602382169214976
I first heard the computing term "master" as a 13yr old with an Apple ][+. There was a concept of a "master" DOS disk and a "slave" DOS disk. Even as a kid, I thought this was weird. I mean.. WTF?
https://apple2history.org/history/ah14/
2/n
https://apple2history.org/history/ah14/
2/n
As I got older, I learned about "master" and "slave" database servers.
Not only is this terminology offensive, it doesn't even make sense. In what sense is this a good analogy for the concept of "primary thing" and "duplicate of the thing"?
3/n
Not only is this terminology offensive, it doesn't even make sense. In what sense is this a good analogy for the concept of "primary thing" and "duplicate of the thing"?
3/n
The fact that the terms "master" and "slave" are used in computing TO THIS DAY is unacceptable.
4/n
4/n
Now... is the concept of "master component" part of the concept of "master/slave architectures", or did the phrase have different etymological roots?
As far as I can tell, it traces its roots to "master pages" in desktop publishing software, which may or may not be related
5/n
As far as I can tell, it traces its roots to "master pages" in desktop publishing software, which may or may not be related
5/n
But as far as I'm concerned, it's close enough. There are a set of terms used in computing where "master" means the primary thing, and "slave" means the things that copy the master.
Master/slave databases
Master/slave clocks
It's close enough.
6/n
Master/slave databases
Master/slave clocks
It's close enough.
6/n
Is our wording change a huge deal to be proud of? NO! This is like literally the smallest thing we can do to move things forward.
It's the smallest thing because it is super easy. There are no downsides.
So for people who are complaining... WHY?
7/n
It's the smallest thing because it is super easy. There are no downsides.
So for people who are complaining... WHY?
7/n
Are you inconvenienced by having to learn a different word?
Do you have a keyboard shortcut that you have to rebind?
Like I literally do not understand what someone could possibly be upset about.
8/n
Do you have a keyboard shortcut that you have to rebind?
Like I literally do not understand what someone could possibly be upset about.
8/n
And lest you think that language changes are completely frivolous, they're not. I recognize that this is but a tiny tiny gesture on the part of the tech community, but language matters.
Language shapes how we think about the world around us.
9/n
Language shapes how we think about the world around us.
9/n
So if you are upset or perplexed by why software companies are interested in changing our language to remove the last vestiges of dumb choices made years ago about master/slave systems, then I suggest you get over it.
10/10
10/10
Crap I just realized I was 10 when I had that Apple ][+. My too-literal brain can't handle leaving that error out there w/o a correction.
