Code Quote by Martin Kleppmann
![“However, a real implementation may still have to include code to handle the case where something happens that was assumed to be impossible, even if that handling boils down to printf("Sucks to be you") and exit(666) — i.e., letting a human operator clean up the mess [93]. (This is arguably the…” quote by Martin Kleppmann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cef/martin-kleppmann-49029_computer-science_however-a-real-implementation-may-still_266485.jpg)
““However, a real implementation may still have to include code to handle the case where something happens that was assumed to be impossible, even if that handling boils down to printf("Sucks to be you") and exit(666) — i.e., letting a human operator clean up the mess [93]. (This is arguably the difference between computer science and software engineering.)””
About This Quote
Source Book: Designing Data-Intensive Applications, 2017
Software must anticipate and handle unexpected failures, even those deemed impossible, to ensure reliability.
In simple terms: Plan for impossible errors.
Key Takeaway
Design robust error handling.
Themes
software engineering
reliability
failure management
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
technical
practical
When to use this quote
- critical systems
- API development
- user interfaces
- devops
Key Concepts
Exception handling
defensive programming
Questions to Reflect On
- What impossible scenario could break your system?
- How do you balance safety and simplicity?
A Different Perspective
Over‑engineering can add complexity and cost.
![“I kind of pride myself on coming onto things that are well-oiled machines and finding a way to bring what I bring and fit in, and raise it to another level if I can. And this [Code Black ] has been another one of those really fun success stories, much like Parks And Recreation, although obviously…” quote by Rob Lowe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ea3/rob-lowe-855_black_i-kind-of-pride-myself-on-coming-onto-th_6557.jpg)
![“[T]he tax code has been piling up, year after year, a symbol of everything gone wrong in America, of arrogant rulers and lost freedom, just waiting for us to pick the whole thing up and heave it away. It has to happen. Free people can put up with such laws only for so long.” quote by Dick Armey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/aed/dick-armey-16265_america_t-he-tax-code-has-been-piling-up-year-af_12886.jpg)