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About this quote

What does it mean?
Many programming languages are overly complex or misused.
In plain terms
Lots of languages are like addicts, taking things too far.
What can you take from it?
Beware of language over‑engineering.

Where it applies

  • picking a language for simplicity
  • avoiding unnecessary features

Putting it to work

  • choosing a lean language
  • limiting language features

Questions to consider

  • When does a language become too complex?
  • How to keep language design simple?

Another view

The metaphor is humorous but not a precise analysis.

More from Larry Wall

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