Bjarne Stroustrup

Computer Science Danish 1950 360 quotes

Creator of the C++ programming language.

Most quoted

"There are two ways of constructing a software design: One way is to make it so simple that there are obviously no deficiencies, and the other way is to make it so complicated that there are no obvious deficiencies."

— from Often attributed, widely circulated

"The problem with C is that it's too easy to shoot yourself in the foot. The problem with C++ is that it gives you a loaded gun, and then tells you to go ahead and shoot yourself in the foot, but with style."

— from Humorous anecdote (often attributed, not a private letter)

"C++ is a general-purpose programming language with a bias towards systems programming that supports efficient low-level computation, data abstraction, object-oriented programming, and generic programming."

— from The C++ Programming Language (2nd Edition), 1991

All quotes by Bjarne Stroustrup (360)

The only way to write good code is to write a lot of code.

Interview 2000

C++ is a language for professionals, not for beginners.

The C++ Programming Language (2nd Edition) 1991

The purpose of abstraction is not to be vague, but to create a new semantic level in which one can be more precise.

The Design and Evolution of C++ 1994

The best way to improve the quality of software is to improve the quality of programmers.

Interview 2000

C++ is a language that allows you to express your ideas directly.

The C++ Programming Language (2nd Edition) 1991

The most important thing in programming is to understand the problem.

The Design and Evolution of C++ 1994

The only way to make a program reliable is to make it simple.

Interview 2000

C++ is a language that can be used for everything from embedded systems to supercomputers.

The C++ Programming Language (2nd Edition) 1991

The most important thing in software development is communication.

The Design and Evolution of C++ 1994

The only way to make a program secure is to make it correct.

Interview 2000

C++ is a language that allows you to write efficient and elegant code.

The C++ Programming Language (2nd Edition) 1991

The most important thing in programming is to be able to debug your code.

The Design and Evolution of C++ 1994

The only way to make a program maintainable is to make it readable.

Interview 2000

C++ is a language that is constantly evolving.

The C++ Programming Language (2nd Edition) 1991

The most important thing in software engineering is to manage complexity.

The Design and Evolution of C++ 1994

The only way to make a program portable is to make it standard.

Interview 2000

C++ is a language that gives you control over the hardware.

The C++ Programming Language (2nd Edition) 1991

The most important thing in design is to keep it simple.

The Design and Evolution of C++ 1994

The only way to make a program efficient is to make it correct.

Interview 2000

C++ is a language that allows you to build large and complex systems.

The C++ Programming Language (2nd Edition) 1991