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About this quote

What does it mean?
Torvalds explains a technical choice meant to expose assumptions and force deeper understanding.
In plain terms
He picked a specific value to test if people really understood the code.
What can you take from it?
Make assumptions explicit to reveal gaps in knowledge.

Where it applies

  • code review
  • system design
  • learning

Putting it to work

  • challenge assumptions
  • document defaults
  • encourage investigation

Questions to consider

  • How do you test assumptions?
  • Is this a fair way to learn?

Another view

This approach can frustrate users needing quick solutions.

More from Linus Torvalds

  1. It was _such_ a relief to program in user mode for a change. Not having to care about the small stuff is wonderful.

    Permalink to quote #38
  2. I'm always right. This time I'm just even more right than usual.

    Permalink to quote #40
  3. Which mindset is right? Mine, of course. People who disagree with me are by definition crazy. (Until I change my mind, when they can suddenly become upstanding…

    Permalink to quote #37

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