Code Quote by Brian Kernighan
“Get the weirdnesses into the data where you can manipulate them easily, and the regularity into the code because regular code is a lot easier to work with”
About This Quote
Separate irregular data handling from core logic to simplify programming and improve maintainability.
In simple terms: Keep data messy, code clean.
Key Takeaway
Isolate complexity in data, not code.
Themes
software design
modularity
maintainability
Mood
analytical
practical
Type
instructional
technical
When to use this quote
- database design
- API development
- data pipelines
Key Concepts
separation of concerns
data abstraction
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you identify which parts belong in data versus code?
- What tools help keep code simple?
A Different Perspective
If data becomes too irregular, code may still become complex.
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