Alan Perlis's Quotes

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

Alan Perlis

In computing, turning the obvious into the useful is a living definition of the word 'frustration'.

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

You can measure a programmer's perspective by noting his attitude on the continuing vitality of FORTRAN.

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

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