Software Tools (1976), p. 319 (with P. J. Plauger).
“
Controlling complexity is the essence of computer programming.
— Brian Kernighan
What It Means
This is a placeholder explanation generated by the low-overhead model. It interprets "Controlling complexity is the essence of computer programming." in the context of "Software Tools (1976), p. 319 (with P. J. Plauger)." to mean that wisdom is timeless.
Source: Wikiquote: "Brian Kernighan" (Quotes)
The 'What it means' explanation text was generated by Google Gemini Flash (accessed January 18, 2026). https://gemini.google.com/app
About Brian Kernighan
Brian Wilson Kernighan (born January 1, 1942) is a computer scientist who worked at the Bell Labs and contributed to the design of the pioneering AWK and AMPL programming languages. He is most well-known for his co-authorship, with Dennis Ritchie, of the first book on the C programming language.
About Brian Kernighan
Brian Wilson Kernighan (born January 1, 1942) is a computer scientist who worked at the Bell Labs and contributed to the design of the pioneering AWK and AMPL programming languages. He is most well-known for his co-authorship, with Dennis Ritchie, of the first book on the C programming language.
View all quotes →