Because of its vitality, the computing field is always in desperate need of new cliches: Banality soothes our nerves.
Alan PerlisRead
Every program has (at least) two purposes: the one for which it was written and another for which it wasn't.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Programs often serve unexpected purposes beyond their original design.
This quote by Alan Perlis highlights the nature of programming, where a software application can fulfill its intended purpose while simultaneously taking on unintended roles. This duality reflects the complexity of technology and the varied ways users may interact with and utilize software, emphasizing that the intent behind a program can greatly differ from its practical applications in the real world.
Themes
ProgrammingSoftwareTechnologyPurposeDesign
In practice
Example use cases
During a tech conference, to illustrate the versatility of software applications.
More from Alan Perlis
All quotes βIn computing, turning the obvious into the useful is a living definition of the word "frustration".
Alan PerlisRead
It is better to have 100 functions operate on one data structure than to have 10 functions operate on 10 data structures.
Alan PerlisRead
A good programming language is a conceptual universe for thinking about programming.
Alan PerlisRead
Every reader should ask himself periodically βToward what end, toward what end?ββbut do not ask it too often lest you pass up the fun of programming for the constipation of bittersweet philosophy.
Alan PerlisRead
C programmers never die. They are just cast into void.
Alan PerlisRead
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