list of things that don't do what they say they do

alternative.md

(also know as lies and/or alternative facts)

js

• setImmediate - doesn't set anything immediately, waits for a tick before executing
• setTimeout(fn, n) - never sets the timeout to exactly n
• Math.random() - computers cannot generate random numbers
• Promise - is a lie when rejected
• Array.reduce - accumulates, does not reduce (via @sbmadhav)
• const - isn't constant, can be mutated (via adamwknox)
• typeof NaN === 'number' 🙄 (via @delapouite)
• continue - stops execution of current block (via @vdanchenkov)

react

• setState - doesn't set, but enqueues a state change
• createElement - creates a description of the actual element
• instance::render() - doesn't actually render
• componentWillMount - component might not mount
• react (!) - doesn't react immediately, schedules changes instead

misc

• babel - speaks only one language (though understands many)
• rxjs - rx implies prescription, not subscription
• javascript - isn't a scripting language for java, or related to java in any way.
• isomorphic - is a word used to compare two different, but similar structures; not to say that one structure works in multiple places (via @gaearon)

this should be made a wiki somewhere so people can add stuff from other languages

Great idea.

lol lots of people want to fight in these comments. this is a fun list of things that can be pretty suprising