This quote suggests that when it comes to trusting software or code, one should only rely on what they have personally written themselves. It implies a sense of caution and skepticism towards any code created by others, advocating for complete self-reliance in coding practices.
At a deeper level, this statement highlights the importance of understanding every aspect of the software we use and trust. The quote raises questions about security and integrity, suggesting that relying on unknown or unverified sources can be risky. It encourages developers to take full responsibility for their systems by ensuring they understand all components involved, even if it means writing more code themselves rather than using pre-existing solutions from other creators.
Ken Thompson is a renowned computer scientist who played a significant role in the development of Unix and the B programming language, which later evolved into C. His insights often delve into the complexities of software security and reliability, reflecting his extensive experience and contributions to computing technology.
