
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


Joël and Sally examine the simpler components of programming and why using basic data structures may not always be the best approach to solving a problem.
Our hosts cover all the telltale signs and symptoms of primitive obsession, what it is, it’s drawbacks and limitations, and how to avoid it creeping into your own work.
—
Want to learn more about primitive obsession and readability in programming? Check out these links for some wider reading, including a talk from Joël! - Design Patterns and Null - thoughtbot blog on primitive obsession - Define User
Your hosts for this episode have been thoughtbot’s own Joël Quenneville and Sally Hall.
If you would like to support the show, head over to our GitHub page, or check out our website.
Got a question or comment about the show? Why not write to our hosts: [email protected]
This has been a thoughtbot podcast.
© 2026 thoughtbot, inc.
Support The Bike Shed
By thoughtbot4.9
121121 ratings
Joël and Sally examine the simpler components of programming and why using basic data structures may not always be the best approach to solving a problem.
Our hosts cover all the telltale signs and symptoms of primitive obsession, what it is, it’s drawbacks and limitations, and how to avoid it creeping into your own work.
—
Want to learn more about primitive obsession and readability in programming? Check out these links for some wider reading, including a talk from Joël! - Design Patterns and Null - thoughtbot blog on primitive obsession - Define User
Your hosts for this episode have been thoughtbot’s own Joël Quenneville and Sally Hall.
If you would like to support the show, head over to our GitHub page, or check out our website.
Got a question or comment about the show? Why not write to our hosts: [email protected]
This has been a thoughtbot podcast.
© 2026 thoughtbot, inc.
Support The Bike Shed

43,837 Listeners

30,609 Listeners

8,801 Listeners

9 Listeners

288 Listeners

88 Listeners

44 Listeners

45 Listeners

626 Listeners

287 Listeners

985 Listeners

212 Listeners

2 Listeners

34 Listeners

12 Listeners

5,576 Listeners

1,122 Listeners

143 Listeners

77 Listeners

0 Listeners