Meaning: Edsger Dijkstra, a renowned computer scientist, made this statement about the APL programming language. APL, which stands for "A Programming Language," was developed in the 1960s by Kenneth E. Iverson. It is known for its concise and expressive syntax, consisting of a large set of special symbols and functions. Dijkstra's quote reflects his critical view of APL and its impact on programming.

Dijkstra's description of APL as a "mistake, carried through to perfection" suggests that he acknowledges the technical achievement and refinement of the language while also expressing skepticism about its fundamental principles. The use of "mistake" implies that he sees APL as a deviation from what he considers to be sound programming principles. However, the phrase "carried through to perfection" recognizes the thorough development and optimization of the language, indicating that he acknowledges its technical sophistication despite his reservations.

Dijkstra's characterization of APL as "the language of the future for the programming techniques of the past" suggests that he sees APL as a tool that is ill-suited for modern programming practices. This viewpoint may stem from APL's emphasis on array-oriented programming and its departure from the procedural and structured programming approaches that were gaining prominence at the time. Dijkstra's remark implies that APL's design is better suited for outdated programming techniques, indicating a misalignment with the direction of programming language evolution.

The statement "it creates a new generation of coding bums" is particularly provocative. Dijkstra's use of the term "coding bums" is likely meant to be a derogatory reference to programmers who rely on APL's concise syntax and extensive built-in functions without a deep understanding of programming principles. This suggests that he believes APL encourages a form of lazy or superficial programming, leading to a generation of developers who lack a comprehensive understanding of the underlying logic and algorithms.

Dijkstra's quote reflects a perspective that is critical of APL and its potential impact on the field of programming. His viewpoint may stem from his advocacy for structured programming, formal methods, and the rigorous application of mathematical reasoning in software development. Dijkstra was known for his influential contributions to programming language design and his emphasis on the importance of clear, verifiable, and logically sound code.

In the context of the historical development of programming languages, Dijkstra's critique of APL aligns with the broader debates about language design, readability, and maintainability. APL's unique syntax and extensive set of built-in functions have made it a subject of both fascination and criticism within the programming community.

In conclusion, Dijkstra's quote provides valuable insight into the complex and evolving landscape of programming languages. While APL has its strengths and has found niche applications, Dijkstra's critique serves as a reminder of the importance of considering the underlying principles and implications of language design. His perspective prompts reflection on the balance between technical expressiveness and the fundamental principles of good programming.