The computing field is always in need of new cliches.

Quote by Alan Perlis

Topics: Alan Perlis Quotes

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

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

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...

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.

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 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...

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.

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.

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....

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...

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

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

Computer Science is embarrassed by the computer.

Computer Science is embarrassed by the computer.

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...

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.

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

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

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

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

Simplicity does not precede complexity, but follows it.

Simplicity does not precede complexity, but follows it.

Love is a maze, life is a riddle, and I'm just a little bit caught...

Love is a maze, life is a riddle, and I'm just a little bit caught...

I want someone that understands me and all of my complexity.

I want someone that understands me and all of my complexity.

One of the great mind destroyers of college education is the belief that if it's...

One of the great mind destroyers of college education is the belief that if it's...