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About this quote

What does it mean?
The quote jokes that without quantum computing, the combinatorial explosion of possible uses for all junction types is unmanageable.
In plain terms
We lack enough parallel universes to test everything.
What can you take from it?
Accept practical limits when designing systems.

Where it applies

  • software architecture
  • algorithm design

Putting it to work

  • focus on common cases
  • simplify interfaces

Questions to consider

  • When is it okay to ignore rare cases?
  • How do we prioritize features?

Another view

Quantum computing is speculative; the point may overstate the problem.

More from Larry Wall

  1. : No comment, since this is still hovering (see Larry's reply). Flutter, flutter.

    Permalink to quote #230
  2. Accidental stacks considered harmful.

    Permalink to quote #232
  3. One thing I do understand is that people get scared when I start thinking out loud. :-)

    Permalink to quote #229

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