Just because the asked question is usually the wrong approach doesn't mean it
always is. Sometimes programmers need to do things not because it is a good idea, but nonetheless, there are external factors compelling it (e.g. a stubborn boss, shortsighted requirements, etc.). Or there might even be unusual circumstances where it does make sense. Answering the question as-is would be a disservice, but part of the purpose of Stack Overflow is to provide a knowledge base for future Google searchers. The actual question shouldn't be entirely ignored. —
Dominick Pastore 36 secs ago