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A teacher once came to the court of Tsukin. The four most enlightened developers greeted and dined with him. The teacher asked them each, “What is a specification?”

“It is a snowflake,” said one. “It first exists as formless moisture, from the primordial chaos of functionality. Time and atmosphere crystallise it into a form, after which it flows, perfect and entire of itself, through the realm of man until it meets with others of its kind and forms a soft, hard blanket to support his steps. It may be covered by other snowflakes, but until the day it melts to rejoin the void it keeps the form it was given.”

“You are indeed wise,” answered the teacher. “It is a pleasure to share a meal with you.”

“My colleague misstates the point,” argued the second. “A specification is like a tree. It heeds the blowing of the wind and the changing seasons. In Spring, it sprouts new buds and extends its sheltering branches. In Summer, it spreads its seed wide, that new trees may fill the areas beyond its reach. In Autumn, it sheds the leaves that weigh its branches. In Winter, it retreats within and hardens itself against the gathering storms. Its shape, its branches and whorls, are different every year, but it keeps the same trunk, the core of its being. Even if it is destroyed and only the stump remains, it will regrow into a new form, yet remaining a tree.”

“You have achieved great insight,” noted the teacher. “The flavour of your observations enhances that of this rice.”

“Yet, I must apologize for the answers of my friends,” stated the third, humbly, “for a specification is like a travelling companion. He knows the country, and can recognise the work of the laws of kings and that of the paupers who follow them. He can tell which places to visit, and which to avoid. He knows the history of the land he travels, and each new journey even adds to his knowledge.”

Again, the teacher answered favourably. “Truly, you are a worthy scholar, and your presence makes the court strong.”

However, the fourth developer disagreed. “He still has not answered well; a specification is like a storm over a town. All know that they must build their houses to withstand its might, yet when it comes, all bite their nails, unsure whether they have done so. When it has passed, some houses have owners proud at the strength of their construction, and others have builders on the roof, replacing the tiles that proved too weak. Everyone rejoices that they will be ready for the next storm, but when it comes, again they worry.”

“A precise description,” the teacher applauded. “There must be some very learned discussions at this court.”

“But which of us is right?” asked the first developer. “Tell us: what is a specification?”

The teacher spoke immediately. “I do not implement vague specifications.”

The five of them sat in silence for a long time, appreciating the dishonesty of language.