76 Quotes by Alan Perlis

Every program has (at least) two purposes: the one for which it was written and another for which it wasn't.

A language that doesn't affect the way you think about programming is not worth knowing.

To understand a program, you must become both the machine and the program.

It is better to have 100 functions operate on one data structure than to have 10 functions operate on 10 data structures.

The string is a stark data structure and everywhere it is passed there is much duplication of process. It is a perfect vehicle for hiding information.

Symmetry is a complexity-reducing concept (co-routines include subroutines); seek it everywhere.

In a 5 year period we get one superb programming language - only we can't control when the 5 year period will begin.

Every reader should ask himself periodically “Toward what end, toward what end?” – but do not ask it too often lest you pass up the fun of programming for the constipation of bittersweet philosophy.

A language that doesn’t affect the way you think about programming is not worth knowing.