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Alternatives Quote by Bjarne Stroustrup

“"Legacy code" often differs from its suggested alternative by actually working and scaling.” quote by Bjarne Stroustrup
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“"Legacy code" often differs from its suggested alternative by actually working and scaling.”

Bjarne Stroustrup

About This Quote

Source Talk: C++ Conference, Bjarne Stroustrup, 2015

Legacy code may be less elegant but often proves reliable and scalable in practice.

In simple terms: Old code works well.

Key Takeaway

Balance innovation with proven stability.

Themes

software engineering legacy systems practicality innovation

Mood

practical analytical balanced

Type

technical industry insight

When to use this quote

  • system maintenance
  • product development
  • risk assessment

Key Concepts

Technical debt refactoring scalability

Questions to Reflect On

  • When should legacy be replaced?
  • How to manage technical debt?
A Different Perspective

Focusing on legacy can impede adoption of better designs.

4.3 out of 5 (6 ratings)

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