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About this quote

What does it mean?
Highly complex bugs can look like intended features to observers.
In plain terms
Very complicated errors often seem like planned parts of a system.
What can you take from it?
Test thoroughly to distinguish real features from hidden bugs.

Where it applies

  • code review
  • user testing
  • system design

Putting it to work

  • write clear tests
  • document features
  • review code

Questions to consider

  • How do you verify a feature?
  • When does complexity hide flaws?

Another view

Not all bugs are advanced; some are obvious errors.

More from Arthur C. Clarke

  1. Any sufficiently retarded magic is indistinguishable from technology.

    Permalink to quote #74

  2. Any sufficiently advanced chaos is indistinguishable from Usenet.

    Permalink to quote #76

  3. Any technology distinguishable from magic is insufficiently advanced.

    Permalink to quote #73

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