RE: Can software have human attributes?

[Jason Willebeek-LeMair <jlemair -at- cisco -dot- com>]

Emily wrote:
<snippage>
Just wanted to point out that very often software developers use commands in
their software that correspond to "human" activities.

So, for example, there is a C-language statement, probably also in C++,
called: wait();

Which means that the program literally DOES wait.  I'm certain there are
many other examples of this.  

In fact, if you think about it, everything that any piece of software does
could be thought of as anthropomorphic -- "read a file", "open a file",
"update a record".  
</snippage>

Bingo!  Usually, the rules against anthropomorphizing software fall into the
category of ascribing feelings and motivations to the software.

"The software thinks you are trying to..."
"The application feels..."
"The program thinks you are cute and wants to buy you a drink."
"The dialog box wants to know..."
"The tool is suspicious of any..."

That sort of stuff.

Jason

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