Category: Computing

(via canonical.org) If the Tao is great, then the operating system is great. If the operating system is great, then the compiler is great. If the compiler is great, then the application is great. If the application is great, then the user is pleased and there is harmony in the world. The Tao gave birth … Continue reading “Each language has its purpose”

(via canonical.org) A novice asked the master: “I have a program that sometimes runs and sometimes aborts. I have followed the rules of programming, yet I am totally baffled. What is the reason for this?” The master replied: “You are confused because you do not understand the Tao. Only a fool expects rational behavior from … Continue reading “Enlightenment”

(via canonical.org) The Magician of the Ivory Tower brought his latest invention for the master programmer to examine. The magician wheeled a large black box into the master’s office while the master waited in silence. “This is an integrated, distributed, general-purpose workstation,” began the magician, “ergonomically designed with a proprietary operating system, sixth generation languages, … Continue reading “The Magician of the Ivory Tower”

(via canonical.org) A master was explaining the nature of Tao to one of his novices. “The Tao is embodied in all software — regardless of how insignificant,” said the master. “Is Tao in a hand-held calculator?” asked the novice. “It is,” came the reply. “Is the Tao in a video game?” continued the novice. “It … Continue reading “The Tao is embodied in all software”

(via canonical.org) A program should be light and agile, its subroutines connected like a string of pearls. The spirit and intent of the program should be retained throughout. There should be neither too little or too much, neither needless loops nor useless variables, neither lack of structure nor overwhelming rigidity. A program should follow the … Continue reading “Law of Least Astonishment”

(via canonical.org) Thus spake the master programmer: “A well-written program is its own heaven; a poorly-written program is its own hell.” — Geoffrey James, The Tao of Programming