If a listener nods his head when you're explaining your program, wake him up.

Quote by Alan Perlis

Topics: Alan Perlis Quotes

If you have a procedure with 10 parameters, you probably missed some.

If you have a procedure with 10 parameters, you probably missed some.

You can measure a programmer's perspective by noting his attitude on the continuing vitality of...

You can measure a programmer's perspective by noting his attitude on the continuing vitality of...

We toast the Lisp programmer who pens his thoughts within nests of parentheses.

We toast the Lisp programmer who pens his thoughts within nests of parentheses.

In software systems it is often the early bird that makes the worm.

In software systems it is often the early bird that makes the worm.

In computing, turning the obvious into the useful is a living definition of the word...

In computing, turning the obvious into the useful is a living definition of the word...

There are two ways to write error-free programs; only the third one works.

There are two ways to write error-free programs; only the third one works.

Fools ignore complexity. Pragmatists suffer it. Some can avoid it. Geniuses remove it.

Fools ignore complexity. Pragmatists suffer it. Some can avoid it. Geniuses remove it.

Every program has two purposes: The one for which it was written and another for...

Every program has two purposes: The one for which it was written and another for...

It is easier to write an incorrect program than understand a correct one.

It is easier to write an incorrect program than understand a correct one.

A year spent in artificial intelligence is enough to make one believe in God.

A year spent in artificial intelligence is enough to make one believe in God.

Is it possible that software is not like anything else, that it is meant to...

Is it possible that software is not like anything else, that it is meant to...

It is easier to change the specification to fit the program than vice versa.

It is easier to change the specification to fit the program than vice versa.

The computing field is always in need of new cliches.

The computing field is always in need of new cliches.

If your computer speaks English, it was probably made in Japan.

If your computer speaks English, it was probably made in Japan.

In English every word can be verbed. Would that it were so in our programming...

In English every word can be verbed. Would that it were so in our programming...

It goes against the grain of modern education to teach students to program. What fun...

It goes against the grain of modern education to teach students to program. What fun...

Don't have good ideas if you aren't willing to be responsible for them.

Don't have good ideas if you aren't willing to be responsible for them.

A programming language is low level when its programs require attention to the irrelevant.

A programming language is low level when its programs require attention to the irrelevant.

LISP programmers know the value of everything and the cost of nothing.

LISP programmers know the value of everything and the cost of nothing.

Computer Science is embarrassed by the computer.

Computer Science is embarrassed by the computer.