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About this quote

What does it mean?
The macro defines NULL as 0 and jokes that the definition is unnecessary because it's never used.
In plain terms
NULL is defined but not used.
What can you take from it?
Avoid defining things you never need.

Where it applies

  • large codebases
  • legacy systems

Putting it to work

  • remove unused macros
  • audit definitions regularly

Questions to consider

  • When should you keep unused code?
  • How does unused code affect maintenance?

Another view

Sometimes definitions are kept for future compatibility.

More from Larry Wall

  1. double value; /* or your money back! */ short changed; /* so triple your money back! */

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  2. I think I'm happier with that. $rubyometer += 0.3 or so. :-)

    Permalink to quote #235
  3. /* And you'll never guess what the dog had */ /* in its mouth... */

    Permalink to quote #241

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