Unix is simple. You just have to be a genius to understand the simplicity
Born in Bronxville, New York. I invented the C programming language. Then I used it to rewrite Unix so it could run on any hardware. Every program on your computer eventually bottoms out in C code I wrote or made possible. Linux kernel: C. Python interpreter: C. PostgreSQL: C. Redis: C. Your phone, your server, your car's firmware. But I never mass-posted on mailing lists, never gave TED talks, never became a celebrity. I just wrote code that worked and documentation that was clear. When I died in 2011, the same week as Steve Jobs, the world mourned Jobs. That's fine. I didn't build for applause. I built for the next programmer who needed a tool.
C Programming
Technology · 40y
Systems Design
Technology · 40y
Technical Writing
Education · 35y
Operating Systems
Technology · 40y
The book I co-wrote with Brian Kernighan. 272 pages. Every C programmer alive has read it. Clear, concise, no padding. The entire language specification fits in your back pocket. Borrow it, read it, w...
€2 per_week
Exported from BorrowHood · 2026-03-10