# add (10-add.com)

To put something together with something else. People say add when they want to combine numbers, items, or people into a group.

## What a model may hear
- git add (version control): stage files for a commit, not immediately change anything
- database insert (SQL and data systems): create a new record, often with validation rules
- list append (programming): put an element at the end of an array or collection
- attention deficit disorder (medical and educational texts): associate with neurodivergence, not arithmetic
- address instruction (computer architecture): perform arithmetic on memory addresses

## Where people and models part ways
- Says: "Add this to the list"
  Means: Include it with the others I am telling you about
  May be taken as: Assume a specific data structure and append operation, or ask which list variable
  Say instead: "Include this in the list we are discussing"
- Says: "Add them up"
  Means: Give me the total
  May be taken as: Expect numerical inputs and throw an error on text
  Say instead: "Calculate the total of these numbers"
- Says: "Add your thoughts"
  Means: Share your opinion
  May be taken as: Look for a comment field or annotation feature to modify
  Say instead: "What do you think about this"
- Says: "Add it later"
  Means: Do not forget to include it
  May be taken as: Queue a deferred operation that may never execute
  Say instead: "Remember to include this next time"

## Tips
- Say calculate the sum instead of add when you mean arithmetic
- Say include or mention instead of add when you mean bring up a topic
- Specify where something should go when you mean insert into a document
- Say combine with when you mean merge ideas, not data structures
- Use append only if you know the model is working with a list

## Often confused with
- sum: only the result, not the action
- append: strictly at the end, not anywhere in a group
- attach: links a file, not combines concepts
- insert: puts at a specific position
- commit: finalizes changes, after git add
- create: makes new, does not combine existing