CAVEman

A CAVEman, often capitalized as CAVEman, is a term, often derogatory, used in software development to describe a programmer who utilizes a "Copy And Validate Entry" approach. This approach typically involves copying code snippets from various sources (often without fully understanding them) and then attempting to make the code function through trial and error or extensive validation, rather than designing a solution based on sound programming principles and understanding of the underlying technology.

The term is typically associated with several negative connotations:

• Lack of Understanding: CAVEmen often demonstrate a shallow understanding of the code they are using and the problem they are trying to solve.
• Inefficient Problem-Solving: This approach can lead to significantly longer development times due to repeated trial and error, making the solution less elegant and more prone to bugs.
• Code Maintainability Issues: The resulting code is often poorly structured, difficult to read, and challenging to maintain or modify in the future. It may lack comments and proper documentation.
• Security Vulnerabilities: Copying code from untrusted sources without proper review can introduce security vulnerabilities into a software project.
• Violation of Intellectual Property: Blindly copying code without considering licensing terms can lead to copyright infringement.

While the term "CAVEman" is often used humorously, it highlights the importance of proper software design, code understanding, and adherence to best practices in software development. It is generally considered a negative attribute for a software developer to be labeled a CAVEman. More professional and effective approaches to development include code reviews, unit testing, and a thorough understanding of the problem domain and programming languages being used.