What software analogies have helped you?
- by Galwegian
I have often enjoyed the use of analogies in understanding a software scenario or problem.
For example, to understand the concept of public key encryption, the 'locked mailbox' analogy or similar is often used as an aid:
An analogy for public-key encryption
is that of a locked mailbox with a
mail slot. The mail slot is exposed
and accessible to the public; its
location (the street address) is in
essence the public key. Anyone knowing
the street address can go to the door
and drop a written message through the
slot; however, only the person who
possesses the key can open the mailbox
and read the message.
My question is:
What analogies have you used or heard of in your career that have given you that "Eureka" moment with a complex concept?
EDIT: If you have a good one, don't just state the name, please share with the group!
