AtomicQuote

Alan Perlis Quotes

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

Alan Perlis

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

Tags: computers, frustration, living, word

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

Alan Perlis

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

Tags: computers, japan, computer, made

About Author
Alan Jay Perlis (April 1, 1922 – February 7, 1990) was an American computer scientist and professor at Purdue University, Carnegie Mellon University and Yale University. He is best known for his pioneering work in programming languages and was the first recipient of the Turing Award.

Computer Science is embarrassed by the computer.

Alan Perlis

Computer Science is embarrassed by the computer.

Tags: science, computer science, computer

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

Alan Perlis

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

Tags: attitude, perspective, measure, you

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...

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...

Tags: education, learning, self, fun

A year spent in artificial intelligence is enough to make one believe in God.

Alan Perlis

A year spent in artificial intelligence is enough to make one believe in God.

Tags: god, intelligence, science, believe

In software systems it is often the early bird that makes the worm.

Alan Perlis

In software systems it is often the early bird that makes the worm.

Tags: technology, bird, software, early

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

I think it is inevitable that people program poorly. Training will not substantially help matters. We have to learn to live with it.

Tags: technology, training, people, help

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

Alan Perlis

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

Tags: progress, programming, some