The Best Of Both Worlds AKA ''The Best of [n] Worlds'', where n represents both, three, five, six, etc. ''Worlds'' in the phrase represents 'methods', 'ways', 'options', ..., i.e. we are ''not'' literally discussing planets, aliens, or worlds. . Advantages: *More than likely to succeed in the long term with more 'ways' or methods available. **Example: Many programming languages are available, not just one. A programmer can pick which language may suite his best needs, not just 'one'. A programmer can also combine languages inside other languages (using Perl regexes inside PHP, C++, Pascal, Python,..). This offers the best of both languages(worlds), rather than 'one' limited language. *Different strokes for different folks. One way is not best for one thing or person. **Crude Example: Too often software programmers do not think in terms creating software for both the technical and non-techincal user, and in terms of both the 'developer-user' and the pure grandma-like 'user'. Microsoft for example offers Tools like Visual Studio for developers, but also tools like Excel for users who don't have time to ''program'' their accounting or bookeeping routines. *** ''Speaking of Microsoft... "The Best of Both Worlds" is the name of the (2-part) ST:TNG episode wherein CaptainHornHair gets assimilated by TheBorg. "ResistanceIsFutile"'' ****Laughing Out Loud... Disadvantages: *takes longer than offering just one way. Short term projects that need to get done right away don't have time for 'offerring all the best of everything'. **Example: You offer a lightweight version of software, a featuresome version of software, and even a plug-in version of software. Creating separate versions took longer to write than if you had just picked one. ---- See also WinWin