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About this quote

What does it mean?
Perl often includes features that seem missing, so try using them before assuming they aren't there.
In plain terms
If you think Perl lacks something, test it first.
What can you take from it?
Check Perl's documentation or experiment before dismissing a feature.

Where it applies

  • debugging code
  • learning a new language

Putting it to work

  • run a quick script
  • search CPAN modules

Questions to consider

  • What assumptions do I make about a language's capabilities?
  • How can I efficiently test for missing features?

Another view

Sometimes features are obscure and hard to discover.

More from Larry Wall

  1. If I allowed 'next $label' then I'd also have to allow 'goto $label', and I don't think you really want that... :-)

    Permalink to quote #32
  2. I think it's a new feature. Don't tell anyone it was an accident. :-)

    Permalink to quote #34
  3. Hey, I had to let awk be better at *something*... :-)

    Permalink to quote #31

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