Have you ever wondered who's behind the revolutionary operating system that powers a significant portion of the internet? Well, let me introduce you to the brilliant mind of Linus Torvalds! Linus, the coding virtuoso, is the mastermind who gave birth to Linux, the open-source operating system that has changed the digital landscape forever. But hey, he's not just a coding genius – he's also full of wit and wisdom that we can all draw inspiration from. In this blog, we'll take a fascinating journey through 50 of the most captivating Linus Torvalds quotes, delving into the mind of this programming legend while discovering the man behind the code.
Picture this: a young Finnish computer science student in his dorm room, embarking on a mission to create an operating system that would challenge the existing norms. Linus Torvalds' relentless determination and exceptional coding skills led him to release the first version of Linux in 1991. From there, it spread like wildfire across the tech community, attracting developers from all corners of the globe. Today, Linux stands tall as one of the most powerful, stable, and secure operating systems, thanks to Linus' continuous dedication and unwavering belief in the power of open collaboration. As we dive into his quotes, we'll witness the wisdom of a code-master who not only shaped the world of software but also the hearts and minds of programmers everywhere. Get ready to be inspired and intrigued by the remarkable words of Linus Torvalds!
50 Code-master Linus Torvalds Quotes
1. “Bad programmers worry about the code. Good programmers worry about data structures and their relationships.”
2. “Software is like sex: it's better when it's free.”
3. “Talk is cheap. Show me the code.”
4. “In real open source, you have the right to control your own destiny.”
5. “Most good programmers do programming not because they expect to get paid or get adulation by the public, but because it is fun to program.”
6. “An efficient programmer is a lazy programmer.”
7. “Software is a great combination between artistry and engineering.”
8. “Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.”
9. “I'm not a visionary. I'm an engineer. I'm perfectly happy with all the people who are walking around and just staring at the clouds… but I'm looking at the ground, and I want to fix the pothole that's right in front of me before I fall in.”
10. “I'm generally a very pragmatic person: that which works, works.”
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Wisdom from the Open Source Guru
- “Software patents are a huge potential threat to the ability of people to work together on open-source.”
- “If you need more than 3 levels of indentation, you're screwed anyway, and should fix your program.”
- “The fact is, there aren't just two sides to any issue; there's almost always a range, not just a right and wrong.”
- “Everybody likes to take shots at Microsoft. I do too. But I don't think they're stupid.”
- “Open source is about letting people have access to the sources, and modify it if they need to.”
- “Intelligence is the ability to avoid doing work, yet getting the work done.”
- “You should start programming in elementary school and read all the books on programming.”
- “Standards are paper. I use paper to wipe my butt every day. That's how much that paper is worth.”
- “The thing with Unix was that it wasn't just about having a scalable operating system. It was about being able to collaborate.”
- “I like offending people because I think people who get offended should be offended.”
The Art and Science of Coding
- “Most of the good programmers do programming not because they expect to get paid or get adulation by the public, but because it is fun to program.”
- “There is no magic. Just hard work, a bit of luck, and a lot of perseverance.”
- “I'm an engineer. I see myself as a toolmaker and the musicians are my customers.”
- “C++ is a horrible language. It's made more horrible by the fact that a lot of substandard programmers use it.”
- “Good programmers know what to write. Great ones know what to rewrite (and reuse).”
- “If Microsoft ever does applications for Linux, it means I've won.”
- “I like things to be as simple as possible, but no simpler.”
- “The Linux philosophy is ‘Laugh in the face of danger.' Oops. Wrong one. ‘Do it yourself.' Yeah, that's it.”
- “C++ and Java, say, are presumably growing faster than plain C, but I bet C will still be around.”
- “You need to start with a simple, ugly, inefficient program, and then refactor it into an efficient masterpiece.”
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On Collaboration and Criticism
- “Part of being a winner is knowing when enough is enough. Sometimes you have to give up the fight and walk away, and move on to something that's more productive.”
- “Some people have told me they don't think a fat penguin really embodies the grace of Linux, which just tells me they have never seen an angry penguin charging at them in excess of 100mph.”
- “I don't read code. I don't want to read code. And I'm certainly not going to write code.”
- “I'm generally a very pragmatic person: that which works, works.”
- “You can't make something foolproof because fools are so ingenious.”
- “I like offending people because I think people who get offended should be offended.”
- “Software is like sex; it's better when it's free.”
- “You won't get sued for antitrust for just being large and successful, there has to be some conduct.”
- “In open source, we feel strongly that to really do something well, you have to get a lot of people involved.”
- “Sometimes the world doesn't need another hero. Sometimes what it needs is a monster.”
On Technology and Innovation
- “Technology is all about innovation. It's not about money. Money isn't the goal. It's about the innovation and the thrill of making something new.”
- “I don't believe in the ‘no pain, no gain' motto when it comes to technology. The best technology is something that works seamlessly and effortlessly.”
- “I like to think of my software as a work of art. And like any art, it should be beautiful and elegant.”
- “The biggest risk is not taking any risk. In a world that is changing quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.”
- “In software, the most beautiful code is the one that gets the job done with elegance and efficiency.”
- “The best code is like the best joke. It needs no explanation, and it should be instantly understandable to those in the know.”
- “Technology is only as good as the people who use it. The best software can't replace the best minds.”
- “I do get pleasure from solving problems. It's a core part of being human, I think. And that's why programming is cool.”
- “I like things to be elegant. When you write code, you want it to be elegant and beautiful, not just functional.”
- “The world of technology will never stop evolving, and that's what makes it exciting. Embrace change, and you'll be at the forefront of innovation.”
Linus Torvalds' quotes not only provide valuable insights into the world of coding and open-source development but also inspire us to think critically, collaborate, and embrace innovation. As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of technology, let us remember the wisdom of this code-master and strive to create elegant, efficient, and groundbreaking solutions. Like Linus, may we continue to push the boundaries of what's possible and leave our mark on the world of technology.
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