On: Why do we call it “boilerplate code?”

[jefftk]

I don't think any of those show that the use of "boilerplate" to mean "required verbose writing" predates boiler nameplates though?

[pvg → jefftk]

They don't but it explains why pre-set/cast type plates that were sent ready-made to newspapers were called 'boiler plate' which in turn explains the origin of 'boilerplate' a lot better than the nameplate thing.

[Smoosh → jefftk]

A large slab of standardised content/dimensions ?