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About this quote

What does it mean?
Parity checking is unnecessary for simple, low‑tech tasks.
In plain terms
Farmers don’t need parity.
What can you take from it?
Use complex error‑checking only when needed.

Where it applies

  • basic data entry
  • hand‑crafted work

Putting it to work

  • skip parity in low‑risk environments
  • focus on core tasks

Questions to consider

  • When is error checking overkill?
  • What risks do I accept by omitting parity?

Another view

Parity can catch rare errors even in simple contexts.

More from Seymour Cray

  1. Memory is like an orgasm. It's a lot better if you don't have to fake it.

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  2. I learned that a lot of farmers buy computers.

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  3. If you were plowing a field, which would you rather use?... Two strong oxen or 1024 chickens?

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