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

Quote by Alan Perlis

Topics: Alan Perlis Quotes

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.

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.

I think it is inevitable that people program poorly. Training will not substantially help matters....

I think it is inevitable that people program poorly. Training will not substantially help matters....

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.

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.

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...

Some programming languages manage to absorb change, but withstand progress.

Some programming languages manage to absorb change, but withstand progress.

Computer Science is embarrassed by the computer.

Computer Science is embarrassed by the computer.

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 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...

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.

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...

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.

Simplicity does not precede complexity, but follows it.

Simplicity does not precede complexity, but follows it.

One man's constant is another man's variable.

One man's constant is another man's variable.

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

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

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...

A picture is worth 10K words - but only those to describe the picture. Hardly...

A picture is worth 10K words - but only those to describe the picture. Hardly...