I define UNIX as 30 definitions of regular expressions living under one roof.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- UNIX is humorously defined by the massive number of regular expression specifications.
- In plain terms
- UNIX relies heavily on complex text processing tools.
- What can you take from it?
- Complexity often arises from simple components combined.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is simplicity more important than power?
- How do you manage complexity?
Another view
This overlooks the actual utility of those tools.
More from Donald Knuth
A mathematical formula should never be 'owned' by anybody! Mathematics belong to God.
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