Simplicity does not precede complexity, but follows it.

Quote by Alan Perlis

Topics: Complexity Quotes

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

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

Computer Science is embarrassed by the computer.

Computer Science is embarrassed by the computer.

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

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

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....

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.

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

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

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.

The computing field is always in need of new cliches.

The computing field is always in need of new cliches.

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...

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...

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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...