Software is largely a service industry operating under the persistent but unfounded delusion that it is a manufacturing industry

Linux evolved in a completely different way. From nearly the beginning, it was rather casually hacked on by huge numbers of volunteers coordinating only through the Internet.

When writing gateway software of any kind, take pains to disturb the data stream as little as possible - and never throw away information unless the recipient forces you to!

Of course, C proved indispensible to the developers of all its alternatives. Dig down through enough implementation layers under any of the other languages surveyed here and you will find a core implemented in pure, portable C

If you treat your beta-testers as if they're your most valuable resource, they will respond by becoming your most valuable resource.

Equally, the Internet interprets attempts at proprietary control as threats and mobilizes to defeat them.

Good programmers know what to write. Great ones know what to rewrite (and reuse)