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Jeremy Morgan
Jeremy Morgan

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7 Great Programming Quotes

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Here are some amazing quotes about software development to inspire you, make you laugh, or make you think.

"Programming isn't about what you know; it's about what you can figure out.” - Chris Pine

Especially important for beginners. At first, we're so anxious about knowing everything, especially language syntax. Problem-solving is the skill we end up using most.

"The only way to learn a new programming language is by writing programs in it." - Dennis Ritchie

Programmers are mostly "learn by doing" types. No amount of academic study or watching other people code can compare to breaking open an editor and start making mistakes.

"Sometimes it's better to leave something alone, to pause, and that's very true of programming." - Joyce Wheeler

When managing developers I would always encourage getting up and walking away from the computer when you have a problem. Some of your best solutions will come to you when you're not at the machine.

"In some ways, programming is like painting. You start with a blank canvas and certain basic raw materials. You use a combination of science, art, and craft to determine what to do with them." - Andrew Hunt

Outsiders question whether programming is art. Programmers don't.

"Testing leads to failure, and failure leads to understanding." - Burt Rutan

Some developers hate testing. However, shifting your attitude and embracing it makes you a better developer.

"The best error message is the one that never shows up." - Thomas Fuchs

Remember this the next time you decide to focus on some great error reporting.

“The most damaging phrase in the language is.. it's always been done this way” - Grace Hopper

To be a programmer long term, you have to love change. You can't just tolerate it, you have to love it.

Bonus Quote

Since #6 seems somewhat vague, I'll add this one as a patch:

"Don't write better error messages, write code that doesn't need them." - Jason C. McDonald

Latest comments (31)

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laptopsrai

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Zohar Peled

Great quotes, but I didn't find one that makes me laugh... So here's one that's humorous and in the same time has a very good point:

Programming today is a race between software engineers striving to build bigger and better idiot-proof programs, and the Universe trying to produce bigger and better idiots. So far, the Universe is winning. (Rick Cook)

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Peter Witham

Love the quote from Grave Hopper, so perfect.

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Franky Braem

“Code is like humor. When you have to explain it, it’s bad.” - Cory House

 
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Joseph Nixon

Well said

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Joseph Nixon

It's amazing how different people can get completely different meanings from the same statement. (not being rude, just making an observation)
I'm with you, errors need to show when they need to show. But I think this quote was saying they shouldn't have opportunity to show, meaning defensive programming.

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Thomas Bnt

Things can change so fast on the internet.
— Tim Berners-Lee

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Josh Chen

Love it :D

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