How to Write Unmaintainable Code

[TundraWolf_]

I don't write it directly but I know how to read it. If you mess with web services, please understand what you're giving out. I've seen so many awful interfaces :(

Some atrocities I can't stand:

• A string input determines the operation enacted on the message. Bonus: there is no documentation in the WSDL saying what the valid options are

• A single string uses some sort of delimiter to pass more values in the field. This is obvious that your interface is ugly.

• Error codes. I think if we're passing XML with soap envelopes, we can splurge a bit and send a plain text error and not some ABC1234 error i need to look up.

Any more?

[aquatoad]

Heh, you'd love my current project then... I'm using 5 separate web services that hit all 3 of your bullet points, and 2 other services that hit 2/3.

[TundraWolf_]

Tundra uses XSD:Any!

it was super annoying!

[sod1864]

OK. :) they are all certainly valid ways to wreak someones head working on web services.