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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker dislikes the habit of using 'I can use anything' as a vague descriptor.
In plain terms
They don't like the vague 'I-can-use-anything' attitude.
What can you take from it?
Avoid vague adjectives and be specific.

Where it applies

  • technical discussions
  • team meetings

Putting it to work

  • choose precise words
  • define terms

Questions to consider

  • When does specificity help versus hinder?
  • How can we balance clarity with openness?

Another view

Sometimes flexibility is needed and overly precise language can stifle creativity.

More from Larry Wall

  1. Lisp has all the visual appeal of oatmeal with fingernail clippings mixed in.

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  2. I want to see people using Perl to glue things together creatively, not just technically but also socially.

    Permalink to quote #64
  3. Anyway, there's plenty of room for doubt. It might seem easy enough, but computer language design is just like a stroll in the park. Jurassic Park, that is.

    Permalink to quote #61

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