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About this quote

What does it mean?
If someone writes badly, the author will gladly invent a witty remark about it.
In plain terms
They'll make a witty comment for badly written code.
What can you take from it?
Humor can highlight mistakes.

Where it applies

  • code reviews
  • peer feedback

Putting it to work

  • use lighthearted jokes
  • point out errors gently

Questions to consider

  • When is humor appropriate in feedback?
  • How can jokes be constructive?

Another view

Humor may offend or distract from constructive criticism.

More from Larry Wall

  1. I don't like this official/unofficial distinction. It sound, er, officious.

    Permalink to quote #70
  2. So far we've managed to avoid turning Perl into APL. :-)

    Permalink to quote #72
  3. : But for some things, Perl just isn't the optimal choice. (yet) :-)

    Permalink to quote #69

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