Side Effects!?!?
In computer science, a function or expression is said to have a side effect if, in addition to producing a value, it also modifies some state or has an observable interaction with calling functions or the outside world. For example, a function might modify a global or a static variable, modify one of its arguments, raise an exception, write data to a display or file, read data, call other side-effecting functions, or launch missiles. In the presence of side effects, a program’s behavior depends on history; that is, the order of evaluation matters. Because understanding an effectful program requires thinking about all possible histories, side effects often make a program harder to understand.
Side effects are essential to enable a program to interact with the outside world (people, filesystems, other computers on networks). But the degree to which side effects are used depends on the programming paradigm. Imperative programming is known for uncontrolled, promiscuous use of side effects. In functional programming, side effects are rarely used. Functional languages such as Standard ML and Scheme do not restrict side effects, but it is customary for programmers to avoid them.
I am thinking in a very non-linear way today. It could be because my sight lines have changed in the last few days. I have started to view the world from a whole different angle. It could just be because it is Thursday and I don’t usually write on a Thursday. Whatever the reason I have started to think about the concept of side effects today. Not the, “unintended but desirable consequence of medical treatment.” Not the externality effect, “an economic term for the effects of a transaction on parties who did not make the original agreement.” but more the unintended consequences of an action. “An effect that is unforeseen, regardless of type of quality.” What happens when you focus on a goal, be it work, physical, friendship or emotional? Things change and are there unintended side effects?
Does developing new relationships leave less time for the old ones? Does moving countries regularly make you a minimalist? When you take any action, no matter how well thought out, are there always unintended side effects? To stop something, to start something, to change something, to say something does it all have a side effect? Big, little, small, seen, unseen, felt, un-felt, kind or hurtful perhaps are there side effects to all your actions or in-actions? Sometimes I do wonder if true pure lifelong friendship and love without attachment or the bond of family transcends such side effects? Does the vibration of trust and honesty between two people create a space where the only side effect is happiness, acceptance, understanding and joy?
Side effects come in all shapes and sizes. When the power goes out in a city for long periods of time one of the side effects is that 9 months later a baby boom is seen. The power isn’t turned off for these reasons but it is an interesting side effect. There are lots of surprising side effects that we experience over time. Getting sick changes the way you see your body, learning a new language shapes how you interact with a world, losing a loved one changes what you deem to be important. Do side effects from the root cause lead you to paths, you might have never imagined exploring?
Why even how you find yourself reading this blog could be a side effect of looking for something else?
Some people arrive at www.travelwithoastler.com because they are looking to read my odd adventure stories or make sure I am still alive and kicking. However, just as many people find their way here because they are looking for information about something else. There journey here is just a side effect of searching for knowledge about camels, looking to read about arabic or islamic doors, trying to find out about turtles in Oman, or the plant souk in Kuwait. From Googling “dust storms” to ”the highway of death” search engines bring you here as a part of your search. With a click of a mouse you decide how long this side effect will last.
If there are side effects to all actions I think I have given up trying to manage them, instead choosing to be mindful of what is on a fundamental level most important: health, family, true friendship, love, God and lots and lots of laughter!
PS. Happy 60th Birthday MOM!!!!!
Kuwait City, KUWAIT
Christine Oastler is a freelance travel writer, teacher and artist, currently living in Mahboula, Kuwait. Born and raised in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, Christine obtained her Bachelor of Arts at Trent University and her Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University. Currently traveling around the Middle East she finds herself riding the odd camel and embracing a new culture!