Editing 1168: tar
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==Explanation== | ==Explanation== | ||
− | {{w|Tar (computing)|tar}} ("tape archive") is a {{w|Unix|Unix}} application that creates (and extracts) archives in the ".tar" format. It is typically used through the text-based terminal, using cryptic single-letter arguments such as "<code>tar -cvf archive.tar *</code>". | + | {{w|Tar (computing)|tar}} ("tape archive") is a {{w|Unix|Unix}} application that creates (and extracts) archives in the ".tar" format. It is typically used through the text-based terminal, using cryptic single-letter arguments such as "<code>tar -cvf archive.tar *</code>". The comic alludes to the fact that despite years of use of the command, it's still hard to remember the arguments without searching for them, such as with Google. |
− | The | + | The title text points out that while much of computing changes very quickly, the tar program, which is very old (originating ca. 1975), is still around and heavily used. And yet, [[Randall]] complains he still cannot type out a line of tar command with correct flags without having to look the flags up. |
− | The | + | The joke here is that a "tar" command with perfect syntax on the first try without outside help is such a daunting task that even Rob can't overcome it with assuredness, and apologizes for not being able to prevent their imminent death. |
− | + | The fact that [[Megan]] and [[White Hat]] assume that [[Rob]] can disarm the nuclear bomb because he uses Unix can be referring to an overgeneralization fallacy that a partaker in a practice is an expert of a practice. Not all people who use Unix necessarily know how to use tar commands. Then again, since he's the only person nearby who knows ''any'' Unix and thus their only hope, their fallacy is pretty justified. | |
− | + | There is probably also a pun on "{{w|tarbomb}}," a poorly created tar archive that, when extracted, dumps a load of files into the current directory that the user has to clean up. | |
− | + | Alternative explanation: Tar is a very common command that Unix users will come across regularly, much like Windows users will come across .zip files. Depending on the flavor of Unix, the order of the flags, or the lack or inclusion of a '-' could render the command incorrect. Most true Unixes (AIX, HPUX, Solaris) not using the GNU utilities would give an error on the above tar example. For such a simple command, it is one that most people need to look up references to use. | |
==Transcript== | ==Transcript== | ||
− | :[Megan and White Hat stand next to a nuclear bomb. The bomb has a hatch open on top, and a small blinking screen. The two people are shouting off-screen.] | + | :[Megan and White Hat wearing a white hat stand next to a nuclear bomb. The bomb has a hatch open on top, and a small blinking screen. The two people are shouting off-screen.] |
− | :Megan: Rob! | + | :Megan: Rob! You use Unix! |
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:White Hat: Come quick! | :White Hat: Come quick! | ||
− | :[Megan, White Hat, and Rob look at the screen | + | :[Megan, White Hat, and Rob look at the screen. Rob peers closely. The screen reads: |
+ | :To disarm the bomb, simply enter a valid tar command on your first try. No Googling. You have TEN seconds. | ||
+ | :~# _] | ||
− | + | :[They continue to peer.] | |
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:White Hat: ...Rob? | :White Hat: ...Rob? | ||
:Rob: I'm so sorry. | :Rob: I'm so sorry. | ||
{{comic discussion}} | {{comic discussion}} | ||
− | + | [[Category:Computers]] | |
[[Category:Comics featuring White Hat]] | [[Category:Comics featuring White Hat]] | ||
[[Category:Comics featuring Megan]] | [[Category:Comics featuring Megan]] | ||
[[Category:Comics featuring Rob]] | [[Category:Comics featuring Rob]] | ||
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