The Skylark series was one of my favorites in my youth, and I've reread it many times since. It's definitely "space opera" on a grand scale. Although this story came out in 1930, it includes two of my favorite software-relevant quotes:
(1) "As for testing, know now that only mechanisms built by bunglers require testing. Properly built machines work properly." (page 91)
( My software test engineer found that one amusing.)
(2)"That is better, son. Never forget that it is a waste of energy to do the same thing twice with your hands and that if you know precisely what is to be done, you need not do it with your hands at all. Forces are tireless, and they neither slip nor make mistakes."(page 119)
Richard A. Fowell’s book reviews
(1) "As for testing, know now that only mechanisms built by bunglers require testing. Properly built machines work properly." (page 91)
( My software test engineer found that one amusing.)
(2)"That is better, son. Never forget that it is a waste of energy to do the same thing twice with your hands and that if you know precisely what is to be done, you need not do it with your hands at all. Forces are tireless, and they neither slip nor make mistakes."(page 119)