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About this quote

What does it mean?
The author notes that suppressing newlines with a variable is cumbersome and comments on life's absurdity.
In plain terms
Using $ans to hide newlines is annoying, and life feels ridiculous.
What can you take from it?
Simplify code to avoid unnecessary tricks.

Where it applies

  • when dealing with output formatting
  • reflecting on daily frustrations

Putting it to work

  • use proper formatting functions
  • accept life's quirks

Questions to consider

  • How does code complexity affect mood?
  • Can humor help cope with frustrating tasks?

Another view

The comment mixes technical gripe with philosophical musing, which may dilute focus.

More from Larry Wall

  1. OOPS! You naughty creature! You didn't run Configure with sh! I will attempt to remedy the situation by running sh for you...

    Permalink to quote #253

  2. There is, however, a strange, musty smell in the air that reminds me of something...hmm...yes...I've got it...there's a VMS nearby, or I'm a Blit.

    Permalink to quote #255

  3. [End of diatribe. We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming...]

    Permalink to quote #252

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