If debugging is the process of removing software bugs, then programming must be the process of putting them in.

Besides a mathematical inclination, an exceptionally good mastery of one's native tongue is the most vital asset of a competent programmer.

If there is one 'scientific' discovery I am proud of, it is the discovery of the habit of writing without publication in mind.

...Simplifications have had a much greater long-range scientific impact than individual feats of ingenuity. The opportunity for simplification is very encouraging, because in all examples that come to mind the simple and elegant systems tend to be easier and faster to design and get right, more efficient in execution, and much more reliable than the more contrived contraptions that have to be debugged into some degree of acceptability....Simplicity and elegance are unpopular because they require hard work and discipline to achieve and education to be appreciated.

The computing scientist's main challenge is not to get confused by the complexities of his own making.

I would therefore like to posit that computing's central challenge, how not to make a mess of it, has not yet been met.

Beauty is our business.