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

Quote by Alan Perlis

Topics: Alan Perlis Quotes

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...

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.

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

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

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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....

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

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

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...

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

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

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.

Complexity emerges from unexpected outcomes it is also used as a tool of repression.

Complexity emerges from unexpected outcomes it is also used as a tool of repression.

I love to work. I love to have complexity.

I love to work. I love to have complexity.

There are forms of complexity in all people...Always update your state of mind.

There are forms of complexity in all people...Always update your state of mind.