Editing 518: Flow Charts

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{{distinguish|1488: Flowcharts}}
 
 
{{comic
 
{{comic
 
| number    = 518
 
| number    = 518
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==Explanation==
 
==Explanation==
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{{w|Flowchart|Flowcharts}} are diagrams that represent processes in a graphical form. While predominantly used in {{w|computer programming}} to visualize the structure of source code, flowcharts can in theory be used to depict any real or virtual procedure. In this comic, this idea is subverted by employing a flowchart to explain how flowcharts work. Flowcharts are a [[:Category:Flowcharts|recurring theme]] on xkcd.
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{{w|Flowchart|Flowcharts}} are diagrams that represent processes in a graphical form. While predominantly used in {{w|computer programming}} to visualise the structure of source code, flowcharts can in theory be used to depict any real or virtual procedure. In this comic, this idea is subverted by employing a flowchart to explain flowcharts itself. As for reading the flowchart prior knowledge on how to read a flowchart is required, the comic induces a {{w|deadlock|deadlocked}} situation.
  
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This seems like a faulty basis for explaining anything, but the basic functionality of flowcharts is quite intuitive, and the attempted self-description is almost unnecessary. In fact, the comic does not actually explain how to use the flowchart: it just uses an example of a very simple flowchart to demonstrate to the reader that they can easily work out how to follow it. If the reader attempts to "game" the system by either giving contradictory answers, or refusing to acknowledge that they can see the "Yes" and "No" labels, the flowchart gets confused or becomes abusive. <strike>Just like a real computer.</strike>
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Moreover, the functionality of flowcharts is quite intuitive, thus rendering the attempted self-description in the comic obsolete. In fact, due to the self-explanatory nature of flowcharts, the one provided in the comic does not even explain the manner of functioning: It only confirms their capability to those who already know how to use it. Someone who contradicts himself by claiming he does not see the arrows albeit following them is left with the message "I hate you" in End-Box 2b. For everyone else, the chart inevitably leads to the "Let's go drink" box, which gives rise to the assumption that the whole chart was only a pretence for drinking.
  
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If you confirm or demonstrate that you can follow the flowchart, it inevitably leads to the "Let's go drink" box, which gives rise to the assumption that the whole chart was only a pretense for drinking.
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{{w|FreeBSD}} is a {{w|unixoid}} operating system for computers which is generally considered to require advanced skills. The question whether {{w|Linux}} or (Free)BSD is the preferable operating system is a question of belief to some. The comic takes sides against FreeBSD by implying that one would only install it in a state of insobriety.
  
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{{w|FreeBSD}} is a {{w|unixoid}} operating system for computers that is generally considered to require advanced skills. The question whether {{w|Linux|GNU/Linux}} or (Free)BSD is the preferable operating system is a question of almost religious belief to some. The comic takes a shot against FreeBSD by implying that one would only decide to install it when under the influence of alcohol. This may also be a reference to [[349: Success]].
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The title text mentions {{w|Microsoft Bob}}, a software package published in 1995 by {{w|Microsoft}}. The product was targeted towards beginners and therefore provides the user with a cartoon-style interface instead of a productive environment. While being a commercial failure, the system serves as an insider joke between IT professionals until the present day.
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The title text mentions {{w|Microsoft Bob}}, a software package published in 1995 by {{w|Microsoft}}. The product was targeted towards beginners, and Microsoft decided to use a cartoon-style interface instead of a more 'professional' environment. It was a commercial failure, and still serves as an inside joke among IT professionals.
 
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"Torrent" refers to {{w|BitTorrent}}, a peer-to-peer filesharing protocol that is often used to share large files, such as the files for an operating system, via the internet. BitTorrent allows users to, rather than downloading whole files from a central server, download small pieces from each of many "peers" who are downloading the same file concurrently. In the title-text, the reader initially torrents the FreeBSD operating system in order to install it. The reference to "switching the torrent" suggests that if you were even more drunk than you would need to be to download FreeBSD, you would start downloading Microsoft Bob instead.
 
  
 
In ''[[xkcd: volume 0]]'', there is an extra step, from installing FreeBSD to "more drinking".
 
In ''[[xkcd: volume 0]]'', there is an extra step, from installing FreeBSD to "more drinking".
  
 
==Transcript==
 
==Transcript==
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:[A flow chart is shown beneath a caption. There are 14 boxes, five rhombus shaped and the rest rectangular. From all the rhombus boxes there are one arrow entering and two arrows leaving (with yes/no labels on them). One of the other boxes is the start with only one arrow leaving, and three of these boxes are endings with only one arrow entering. Three have two arrows entering and one leaving. And two have one in and one out. Caption:]
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:A guide to UNDERSTANDING FLOW CHARTS presented in flow chart form.
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:A guide to  
 
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:<big>understanding flow charts</big>
 
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:presented in flow chart form.
 
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:Box 0: Start
 
:Box 0: Start
 
::[Arrow to Box 1.]
 
::[Arrow to Box 1.]
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::[No Arrows.]
 
::[No Arrows.]
 
:Box 6: ...and you can see the ones labeled "No"?
 
:Box 6: ...and you can see the ones labeled "No"?
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::[Arrow to Box 2.] Yes
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::[Arrow to Box 3.] Yes
 
::[Arrow to Box 7.] No
 
::[Arrow to Box 7.] No
 
:Box 7: But you just followed them twice!
 
:Box 7: But you just followed them twice!
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{{comic discussion}}
 
{{comic discussion}}
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[[Category:Charts]]
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[[Category:Comics sharing name|Flowcharts01]]
 
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[[Category:Flowcharts]]
 
 
[[Category:Programming]]
 
[[Category:Programming]]
 
[[Category:Computers]]
 
[[Category:Computers]]
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[[Category:BSD]]
 

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