Skip to content

Correctness is clearly the prime quality. If a system does…

“Correctness is clearly the prime quality. If a system does not do what it is supposed to do, then everything else about it matters little.” quote by Bertrand Meyer
Download Open image
“Correctness is clearly the prime quality. If a system does not do what it is supposed to do, then everything else about it matters little.”

Bertrand Meyer

About This Quote

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

Correctness is the primary attribute; if a system fails its core purpose, other qualities become irrelevant.

In simple terms: Core functionality matters most.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize functional correctness above all.

Themes

software engineering quality prioritization reliability

Mood

analytical pragmatic

Type

technical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • project planning
  • code review
  • testing
  • maintenance

Key Concepts

systems design risk management validation

Questions to Reflect On

  • What trade‑offs are acceptable?
  • How to balance correctness with flexibility?
A Different Perspective

Over‑emphasis on correctness can stifle innovation.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Bertrand Meyer

Explore all 16 Bertrand Meyer quotes

More Correctness quotes

Browse all 313 Correctness quotes