Alan Perlis Quotes

A collection of quotes by Alan Perlis.

Alan Perlis was an American computer scientist and professor, known for his crucial contributions to the development of programming languages and the establishment of computer science as an academic discipline. He was born on April 1, 1922, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and showed an early interest in mathematics and science.

Perlis obtained his bachelor's degree in chemistry from Carnegie Mellon University in 1943 and served in the US Army during World War II. After the war, he earned a master's degree in mathematics in 1949 and a Ph.D. in mathematics from MIT in 1950. Perlis then joined the faculty at Purdue University, where he conducted pioneering research in computer science.

In 1962, Perlis joined the faculty of Carnegie Mellon University, where he made significant contributions to the field of programming languages. He was instrumental in the development of ALGOL, an influential high-level programming language. Perlis became the first recipient of the Turing Award in 1966, in recognition of his significant impact on computer science.

Beyond his technical contributions, Alan Perlis was also known for his advocacy of computer science education. He emphasized the importance of formalizing the field and establishing it as a distinct discipline.

Sadly, Alan Perlis passed away on February 7, 1990, leaving behind a lasting legacy in computer science and programming languages.

In computing, turning the obvious into the useful is a livin

In computing, turning the obvious into the useful is a living definition of the word 'frustration'.

Alan Perlis


It goes against the grain of modern education to teach stude

It goes against the grain of modern education to teach students to program. What fun is there to making plans, acquiring discipline, organizing thoughts, devoting attention to detail, and learning to be self critical.

Alan Perlis

Education

Computer Science is embarrassed by the computer.

Computer Science is embarrassed by the computer.

Alan Perlis

Science

If your computer speaks English, it was probably made in Jap

If your computer speaks English, it was probably made in Japan.

Alan Perlis

Computers

You can measure a programmer's perspective by noting his att

You can measure a programmer's perspective by noting his attitude on the continuing vitality of FORTRAN.

Alan Perlis

Attitude

In software systems it is often the early bird that makes th

In software systems it is often the early bird that makes the worm.

Alan Perlis

Technology

I think it is inevitable that people program poorly. Trainin

I think it is inevitable that people program poorly. Training will not substantially help matters. We have to learn to live with it.

Alan Perlis

Technology

A year spent in artificial intelligence is enough to make on

A year spent in artificial intelligence is enough to make one believe in God.

Alan Perlis

God