Although true in this case, that was not my intended meaning.
A few of the "magic" things I've encountered thus far in Rails can be easily demystified by looking at the code. However, like magic shows, knowing how the trick is done doesn't mean that I can't enjoy the spectacle of it. The execution of the trick is every bit as important as the mystery.
I'd put forth this definition, which applies to both magical performances and magical code:
Magic is taking something which is traditionally considered impossible and making it look effortless.
Some magic tricks really are effortless. Others require painstaking setup and flawless execution. Same thing with code, but only the former is really valuable in production systems.
A few of the "magic" things I've encountered thus far in Rails can be easily demystified by looking at the code. However, like magic shows, knowing how the trick is done doesn't mean that I can't enjoy the spectacle of it. The execution of the trick is every bit as important as the mystery.
I'd put forth this definition, which applies to both magical performances and magical code:
Magic is taking something which is traditionally considered impossible and making it look effortless.
Some magic tricks really are effortless. Others require painstaking setup and flawless execution. Same thing with code, but only the former is really valuable in production systems.