Computer Science: An Overview: Global Edition (12th Edition)

Published by Pearson Higher Education
ISBN 10: 1292061162
ISBN 13: 978-1-29206-116-0

Chapter 1 - Data Storage - Social Issues - Page 90: 3

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Using only two digits to represent the year in software development during the 1970s can be considered unethical due to the foreseeable consequences of the Y2K problem as the turn of the century approached. This decision resulted in widespread software failures and required significant resources to rectify. Today, using only three digits to represent the year (e.g., 982 for 1982, 015 for 2015) would also be unethical because it introduces ambiguity and potential errors in date calculations, especially as we move further into the future. This practice disregards the lessons learned from the Y2K problem and fails to adhere to industry standards for robust and reliable software development. Using four digits to represent the year is the ethical approach today. It ensures clarity, accuracy, and future-proofing in date-related computations, minimizing the risk of errors and system failures due to date representation issues. This practice aligns with industry best practices and ethical principles in software development.
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