Computer Quote by Larry Wall
“In general, they do what you want, unless you want consistency.”
About This Quote
The statement highlights the trade‑off between flexibility and reliability in software or systems: they can be made to do anything you ask, but they may not behave consistently without extra effort.
In simple terms: Flexibility vs consistency
Key Takeaway
Flexibility can sacrifice reliability
Themes
trade‑off
software design
reliability
flexibility
user expectations
Mood
thoughtful
cautious
Type
observation
advice
When to use this quote
- building custom scripts
- configuring servers
- writing code for varied tasks
Key Concepts
system behavior
design constraints
Practical Applications
- software development
- system administration
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance flexibility and consistency in your projects?
- What safeguards can you add to ensure predictable outcomes?
A Different Perspective
Consistent behavior can be engineered with proper testing and standards, so flexibility need not preclude reliability.
