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Believe Quote by Edsger Dijkstra

“Please don't fall into the trap of believing that I am terribly dogmatical about [the goto statement]. I have the uncomfortable feeling that others are making a religion out of it, as if the conceptual problems of programming could be solved by a single trick, by a simple form of coding discipline!” quote by Edsger Dijkstra
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“Please don't fall into the trap of believing that I am terribly dogmatical about [the goto statement]. I have the uncomfortable feeling that others are making a religion out of it, as if the conceptual problems of programming could be solved by a single trick, by a simple form of coding discipline!”

Edsger Dijkstra

About This Quote

Warns against treating a single programming construct as a cure-all, emphasizing that deep conceptual issues need broader solutions.

In simple terms: Don't idolize one coding trick to solve all problems.

Key Takeaway

Seek comprehensive understanding beyond shortcuts.

Themes

programming software engineering philosophy

Mood

analytical thoughtful

Type

technical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • software development
  • education
  • code review

Key Concepts

coding practices language design problem solving

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we balance simplicity with depth?
  • When is a single tool appropriate?
A Different Perspective

May underestimate the value of disciplined constructs.

4.2 out of 5 (4 ratings)

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