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It is easier to change the specification to fit the…

“It is easier to change the specification to fit the program than vice versa.” quote by Alan Perlis
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“It is easier to change the specification to fit the program than vice versa.”

Alan Perlis

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Changing a program to match a flawed specification is easier than fixing the specification itself.

In simple terms: Fix specs, not code.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize clear requirements.

Themes

software development requirements design quality efficiency

Mood

pragmatic analytical

Type

advice technical

When to use this quote

  • project planning
  • software design
  • quality assurance

Key Concepts

specification refactoring alignment

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we ensure specs stay accurate?
  • What processes catch spec errors early?
A Different Perspective

Specs may be ambiguous, making changes costly.

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