Phrase guide

given enough eyeballs, all bugs are shallow

proverb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

proverb

Meaning 1

Given a large enough beta tester and codeveloper base, almost every problem will be characterized quickly and the fix will be obvious to someone.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: computing, engineering, mathematics, natural-sciences, physical-sciences, sciences, software

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: Linus' Law

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Coined by American programmer & open source advocate Eric S. Raymond in his essay and book The Cathedral and the Bazaar (1999).

Across languages

Translations

1 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: kun on tarpeeksi silmiä, kaikki bugit häviävät — more beta testers means bug fixing becomes easier