Welcome to our collection of Alan Perlis quotes, where wisdom meets wit and insight. Alan Perlis, an esteemed computer scientist and professor, left behind a legacy of groundbreaking contributions to the field of computer science. His words not only reflect his deep understanding of the subject but also offer valuable perspectives on various aspects of technology, programming, and life itself.
As the first recipient of the prestigious Turing Award, Perlis was instrumental in shaping the early foundations of computer science. His keen observations and innovative thinking continue to inspire generations of programmers and researchers. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an aspiring enthusiast in the world of computing, Perlis’s quotes provide invaluable nuggets of knowledge and contemplation. Discover his thoughts on problem-solving, creativity, and the ever-evolving landscape of technology, as we delve into a curated selection of his most profound and thought-provoking statements. Stay tuned as we unravel the brilliance of Alan Perlis through his timeless words.
It is easier to change the specification to fit the program than vice versa. Alan Perlis
The best book on programming for the layman is ‘Alice in Wonderland’; but that’s because it’s the best book on anything for the layman. Alan Perlis
If you have a procedure with 10 parameters, you probably missed some. Alan Perlis
LISP programmers know the value of everything and the cost of nothing. Alan Perlis
In English every word can be verbed. Would that it were so in our programming languages. Alan Perlis
Don’t have good ideas if you aren’t willing to be responsible for them. Alan Perlis
If a listener nods his head when you’re explaining your program, wake him up. Alan Perlis
I think it is inevitable that people program poorly. Training will not substantially help matters. We have to learn to live with it. Alan Perlis
A year spent in artificial intelligence is enough to make one believe in God. Alan Perlis
In software systems it is often the early bird that makes the worm. Alan Perlis
We toast the Lisp programmer who pens his thoughts within nests of parentheses. Alan Perlis
Fools ignore complexity. Pragmatists suffer it. Some can avoid it. Geniuses remove it. Alan Perlis
It goes against the grain of modern education to teach students to program. What fun is there to making plans, acquiring discipline, organizing thoughts, devoting attention to detail, and learning to be self critical. Alan Perlis
It is easier to write an incorrect program than understand a correct one. Alan Perlis
One man’s constant is another man’s variable. Alan Perlis
A programming language is low level when its programs require attention to the irrelevant. Alan Perlis
You can measure a programmer’s perspective by noting his attitude on the continuing vitality of FORTRAN. Alan Perlis
In computing, turning the obvious into the useful is a living definition of the word ‘frustration’. Alan Perlis
Some programming languages manage to absorb change, but withstand progress. Alan Perlis
Is it possible that software is not like anything else, that it is meant to be discarded: that the whole point is to always see it as a soap bubble? Alan Perlis
Every program has two purposes: The one for which it was written and another for which it wasn’t. Alan Perlis
Simplicity does not precede complexity, but follows it. Alan Perlis
Computer Science is embarrassed by the computer. Alan Perlis
There are two ways to write error-free programs; only the third one works. Alan Perlis
A picture is worth 10K words – but only those to describe the picture. Hardly any sets of 10K words can be adequately described with pictures. Alan Perlis
If your computer speaks English, it was probably made in Japan. Alan Perlis
The computing field is always in need of new cliches. Alan Perlis
