The tao of programming
by James, Geoffrey · first published 1987
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…experience, go for what is sometimes called Ha-Ha-Only-Serious (“HHOS”) type jokes. Meaning, statements that are true, but so piercing that they also are humorous. In this vein, I can recommend the book The Tao of Programming by Geoffrey James. There are also collections of funny anecdotes like “COMPUTER-RELATED HORROR STORIES, FOLKLORE, AND ANECDOTES”¹, “Computer Stupidities”² and the pre-MacOS X Macintosh-related collection…
on “Ask HN: Anyone know any funny programming jokes?” ↗The Tao of Programming, by Geoffrey James.
on “Ask HN: What is the most mind blowing book you've ever read?” ↗Ah, this one takes me back. It's almost a pity no one else has mentioned the classic Tao of Programming by Geoffrey James: http://www.canonical.org/~kragen/tao-of-programming.html A bit dated now, and it looks like ESR has improved on the concept considerably, but this little classic will always be my…
on “Rootless Root - The Unix Koans of Master Foo (Eric S. Raymond)” ↗“That company is large because it is large. […] By not seeking to strive, it conquers without effort.” – The Tao of Programming, chapter 8, Geoffrey James, 1987
on “Compose Is Joining IBM” ↗Hard copy of that page has ISBN 0-931137-07-1: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tao_of_Programming
on “Unix Koans” ↗…“In that case, it will take two years.” “And what if I assign a hundred programmers to it?” The master programmer shrugged. “Then the design will never be completed,” he said. — Chapter 3.4 of The Tao of Programming, by Geoffrey James (1987)
on “Reworking 30 lines of Linux code could cut power use by up to 30 percent” ↗…This is why an operating system is easier to design.” The warlord of Wu nodded and smiled. “That is all good and well,” he said, “but which is easier to debug?” The programmer made no reply. — The Tao of Programming, Geoffrey James
on ““I wrote FAT on an airplane, for heaven's sake”” ↗…fame, therefore nobody knows its presence. It does not seek fortune, for it is complete within itself. It exists beyond space and time.” Hardware and Software, ashamed, returned to their homes. — The Tao of Programming, Geoffrey James, 1987
on “Introducing Project Mu” ↗Obligatory Tao of Programming reference (by Geoffrey James) <http://www.canonical.org/~kragen/tao-of-programming.html>...: There was once a programmer who was attached to the court of the warlord of Wu. The warlord asked the…
on “Why Is Payroll Hard - Ron Jeffries” ↗Thus spake the master programmer: "Though a program be but three lines long, someday it will have to be maintained." -- Geoffrey James, "The Tao of Programming"
on “When To Write Bad Code” ↗The Tao Of Programming, Book 5, Maintenance (Geoffrey James, 1987): A manager asked a programmer how long it would take him to finish the program on which he was working. “It will be finished tomorrow,” the programmer promptly…
on “Ask HN: What made your favorite manager/supervisor/CEO so great?” ↗…door needs no oil on its hinges. A swift‐flowing stream does not grow stagnant. Neither sound nor thoughts can travel through a vacuum. Software rots if not used. These are great mysteries. — The Tao of Programming, Geoffrey James, 1987
on “Software Rot (2017)” ↗…This is why an operating system is easier to design.” The warlord of Wu nodded and smiled. “That is all good and well,” he said, “but which is easier to debug?” The programmer made no reply. — The Tao of Programming, Geoffrey James, 1987
on “Oberon Operating System” ↗…only maintained systems, people would treat it like a servant. But because it combines all these things, people think it one of the gods! By not seeking to strive, it conquers without effort.” — The Tao of Programming (Geoffrey James, 1987), chapter 8.1
on “Apple Card Disabled My iCloud, App Store, and Apple ID Accounts” ↗…master programmer and said, “I cannot find the listing for my new program. Do you know where it might be?” “Yes,” replied the master, “the listings are stacked on the platform in the data center.” — The Tao of Programming, chapter 7.3 (Geoffrey James, 1987)
on “Common Mistakes of New Engineering Managers” ↗