Quote by C.A.R. Hoare
““When any new language design project is nearing completion, there is always a mad rush to get new features added before standardization. The rush is mad indeed, because it leads into a trap from which there is no escape. A feature which is omitted can always be added later, when its design and its implications are well understood. A feature which is included before it is fully understood can never be removed later.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Conference on Programming Languages, 1978
Rushing to add features before full understanding creates irreversible design traps.
In simple terms: Add features only after they’re understood.
Key Takeaway
Delay feature addition until clear.
Themes
design
features
risk
software engineering
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
technical
advisory
When to use this quote
- software planning
- code reviews
- release management
Key Concepts
feature creep
standardization
technical debt
Questions to Reflect On
- What criteria ensure a feature is ready?
- How to balance innovation and stability?
A Different Perspective
Premature features can increase maintenance cost.
