Primitive Obsession
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30
CORE DEFINITION
In programming, it refers to the excessive use of primitive data types (such as using strings to represent dates or phone numbers) without encapsulating them into dedicated objects. In cognition, it refers to thinking only with the most primitive and rough concepts, lacking refined and specialized models.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
Refined thinking. When discussing complex things (such as "good design"), if you can only use primitive words like "good/bad", you are suffering from "primitive obsession". Build a specialized vocabulary (such as "negative space", "visual balance").
Anchor fast decisions
"Except itself" is a limiting expression for boundary exclusion, often used in sets, definitions, or rules, indicating that an object applies to all members except the self-referential object, to avoid self-reference paradoxes or circularity.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/1Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- nplus.wikihttps://nplus.wiki/refactoring/docs/03-bad-smells-in-codeverified
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