Crossing the Great Divide of Software Engineering

Abstract

The Great Divide, the continental divide of the Americas, is a water divide extending from the Bering Sea to the southern tip of South America, the Strait of Magellan. The Great Divide separates the watersheds that drain into the Pacific Ocean from those river systems that drain into the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. While there are many other examples of geological and geographical divides, the Great Divide stands out by its magnitude and higher peaks compared to other divides and its spanning multiple countries and continents. The divide does not necessarily define any different characteristics on either of its sides; it is simply a water passage dividing the Americas into two. To hiking enthusiasts, hiking the Great Divide is defined by its magnitude, typically easily taking up to five months. Due to its clear visualization power, the Great Divide has been a source of inspiration for metaphors in movies, albums, books, and topics when describing any conundrum with two sides.