"People who are really serious about software should make their own hardware"
About this Quote
The relationship between software and hardware is fundamental to the evolution of computing. Alan Kay's assertion highlights the importance of understanding and controlling the physical systems upon which software runs. When software creators design and implement their own hardware, they gain unprecedented influence over the capabilities, performance, and reliability of their systems. Rather than being constrained by the limitations or generic assumptions of third-party hardware, developers can tailor the underlying technology to their specific needs, fostering more efficient, harmonious, and innovative solutions.
Historically, the separation of hardware and software facilitated industry growth. Standard platforms allowed programs to proliferate and reduced the complexity involved in application development. However, as computational demands grew and new paradigms emerged, standardized hardware sometimes became a bottleneck. Visionaries who demand more from their software, higher performance, better integration, unique experiences, or breakthrough functionality, realized that greater synergy is attainable when the boundaries are blurred. Notable examples of this philosophy include the Apple ecosystem, where tight integration between hardware and software leads to products with seamless user experiences and optimized performance.
Making one’s own hardware does not merely mean fabricating chips or assembling components. It is a mindset that pushes creators to deeply understand every layer of system operation, from silicon to user interface. Such understanding unlocks creative freedom and enables innovations that otherwise remain out of reach. This approach can result in transformative changes in how problems are solved and how technology serves its users.
Ultimately, the quote urges software creators to broaden their scope, embrace curiosity about the workings of machines, and assume responsibility for the full stack. When boundaries between hardware and software dissolve, it becomes possible to invent entirely new classes of technology, bringing ambitious visions into reality. For those committed to excellence and innovation in software, embracing hardware design is not only an advantage but, often, a necessity.
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