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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker warns that accidental stacks—unintended data structures—can cause problems.
In plain terms
Unplanned stacks are dangerous.
What can you take from it?
Avoid creating hidden data structures.

Where it applies

  • code reviews
  • debugging sessions

Putting it to work

  • use explicit data structures
  • document stack usage

Questions to consider

  • What makes a stack accidental?
  • How can we detect them early?

Another view

The statement is vague without context of what 'accidental' means.

More from Larry Wall

  1. We don't have enough parallel universes to allow all uses of all junction types--in the absence of quantum computing the combinatorics are not in our favor...

    Permalink to quote #231
  2. I try not to confuse roles and traits in my own life. Being the Perl god is a role. Being a stubborn cuss is a trait. :-)

    Permalink to quote #233
  3. : No comment, since this is still hovering (see Larry's reply). Flutter, flutter.

    Permalink to quote #230

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