If builders built buildings the way programmers wrote programs, then the first woodpecker that came along would destroy civilization.

Summary

This quote suggests that if builders approached their work with the same level of carelessness and lack of attention to detail as some programmers do, even the smallest problem or vulnerability could have disastrous consequences. Just as a woodpecker can easily damage a poorly constructed building, the quote implies that a single flaw in a poorly written program could lead to the downfall of an entire civilization. It highlights the importance of thoroughness and precision when creating programs, as even minor mistakes can have significant and widespread negative impacts.

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