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  3. Computers: Systems, Networks

goldener Henkel

English translation: gold-plating

14:52 Jul 28, 2015
German to English translations [PRO]
Tech/Engineering - Computers: Systems, Networks / System architecture design
German term or phrase: goldener Henkel
'Die Architektur wird nicht zum Selbstzweck gestaltet, sondern um das jeweilige Problem angemessen zu lösen (keine „goldenen Henkel“).'

This is part of a specification document that lays out principles of architecture design.
The only web references I can find are either literal, i.e. a cup with golden handles, or refer to an astronomical phenomenon where the moon appears to have a handle on it.

Any insight into the meaning would be welcome. At first I thought it might be something like a "magic bullet", but that doesn't really fit.
Darin Fitzpatrick
United States
English translation:gold-plating
Explanation:
See discussion (links copied here)

„Bau das einfachste, was möglicherweise funktionieren könnte“ rät Kent Beck. Die so erstellte Software kann dann dem Bedarf entsprechend erweitert werden. So werden „goldene Henkel“ vermieden, welche die Entwicklungszeit verlängern, ohne echten Mehrwert zu schaffen.
http://www.coldewey.com/publikationen/conferences/GI/Glashue...

Introduction to Software Engineering/Architecture/Anti-Patterns
Gold plating: Continuing to work on a task or project well past the point at which extra effort is adding value
https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Introduction_to_Software_Engin...

YAGNI - The No Frills Design Principle
http://nofrillsdesign.blogspot.co.uk/2007/07/on-yagni.html
Selected response from:

Alison MacG
United Kingdom
Local time: 03:21
Grading comment
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
4 +2gold taps
philgoddard
3 +2gold-plating
Alison MacG
3 +1purely ornamental / decorative
Cilian O'Tuama
3without bells and whistles/ without the opulence
Michael Martin, MA


Discussion entries: 6





  

Answers


23 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5 peer agreement (net): +2
goldene Henkel
gold taps


Explanation:
As Jonathan says in the discussion entries, it means "gold handles", ie unnecessary frills. I think this is the nearest equivalent in English. The text is about systems architecture, but it could just as easily be about buildings.

You could also say frippery, or gimmickry, or fancy features, but I think my first idea is closest to the German.

philgoddard
United States
Native speaker of: English
PRO pts in category: 32

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  HenningJ: This sounds like a good term
19 mins
  -> Thanks!
agree  TonyTK: I like "fancy features".
2 hrs
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37 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5 peer agreement (net): +1
purely ornamental / decorative


Explanation:
the architecture is not an end in itself, but actually serves a purpose (i.e. solves a problem)

perhaps

Cilian O'Tuama
Germany
Local time: 04:21
Native speaker of: English
PRO pts in category: 6

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  TonyTK: Yes, "golden taps" sounds more like interior design.
42 mins
neutral  philgoddard: This is an explanation, not a translation. And TonyTK: that's the whole point. 'Goldene Henkel' is normally associated with interior design. It's a joke. //Because it's being used in a non-literal, deliberately incongruous manner for humorous effect.
53 mins
  -> Sometimes if a translation won't be understood, we need to resort to other means. And what makes you think it's a joke?
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2 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5
without bells and whistles/ without the opulence


Explanation:
Compare with links below:
"‘This is architecture without bells and whistles, but with sensitivity and intelligence,’ Dyckoff said." http://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/comment/stanton-williams-...

"The idea was to create a simple hotel with an air of futurism, without the opulence that often accompanies luxury hotels." http://blog.splendia.com/splendia-choice-the-vine-a-divine-h...

Michael Martin, MA
United States
Local time: 22:21
Native speaker of: Native in GermanGerman, Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 8
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18 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5 peer agreement (net): +2
gold-plating


Explanation:
See discussion (links copied here)

„Bau das einfachste, was möglicherweise funktionieren könnte“ rät Kent Beck. Die so erstellte Software kann dann dem Bedarf entsprechend erweitert werden. So werden „goldene Henkel“ vermieden, welche die Entwicklungszeit verlängern, ohne echten Mehrwert zu schaffen.
http://www.coldewey.com/publikationen/conferences/GI/Glashue...

Introduction to Software Engineering/Architecture/Anti-Patterns
Gold plating: Continuing to work on a task or project well past the point at which extra effort is adding value
https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Introduction_to_Software_Engin...

YAGNI - The No Frills Design Principle
http://nofrillsdesign.blogspot.co.uk/2007/07/on-yagni.html

Alison MacG
United Kingdom
Local time: 03:21
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 8
Notes to answerer
Asker: Thanks for making the effort to find these references!


Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Ramey Rieger (X): Absolutely
6 mins
  -> Thanks, Ramey
agree  Inter-Tra: Super
1 hr
  -> Thanks, fbbest
neutral  philgoddard: This loses the humour of the German, which has other words for "gold plating".
4 days
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