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About this quote

What does it mean?
The author claims they can make foolish changes to Perl if they believe it will improve the language.
In plain terms
They may make stupid changes if they think it helps.
What can you take from it?
Improvement may involve risky changes.

Where it applies

  • language development
  • open‑source projects

Putting it to work

  • experiment with new features
  • accept community feedback

Questions to consider

  • When is a change too risky?
  • How to test 'stupid' ideas?

Another view

What seems stupid now may later be seen as harmful.

More from Larry Wall

  1. I'd put my money where my mouth is, but my mouth keeps moving.

    Permalink to quote #75
  2. Call me bored, but don't call me boring.

    Permalink to quote #77
  3. They can always run stderr through uniq. :-)

    Permalink to quote #74

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