XY problem

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The XY Problem is a problem solving logic fallacy. It involves a problem, X, and the assumed solution to the problem, Y. The problem arises from asking how to do Y without first checking that Y is the best solution to X and that Y is even possible.

An example of a computer science-related XY problem is the question "how can I run Microsoft Office if I switch to Linux?" The assumed solution to the question "how can I open my documents after switching to Linux?" is that one has to use Office. One possible alternative answer to the question is "Use OpenOffice.org."

XY problems are not exclusive to computer programming. For example, X could be "How can I avoid having to bring the trash out?", and Y could be "How can I make my husband bring the trash out?". A possible answer to X, but not Y, is "Avoid trash."

Another example would be X: "How do I bring peace to the world?", and Y: "How can we win a war against terror?"