Meaning: This quote by Yukihiro Matsumoto, the creator of the Ruby programming language, reflects the underlying philosophy and guiding principles that have shaped the design and development of Ruby. At its core, the quote underscores the fundamental concept of flexibility and freedom of choice that is deeply ingrained in the Ruby language. Matsumoto's admiration for Larry Wall, the creator of Perl, is evident in his acknowledgment of inheriting the philosophy of providing multiple ways to accomplish tasks within the language.

The first part of the quote, "Ruby inherited the Perl philosophy of having more than one way to do the same thing," encapsulates a key aspect of both Perl and Ruby. This principle acknowledges the diversity of approaches and methods available within the Ruby language to achieve a specific goal. Unlike some programming languages that enforce a single, rigid approach to problem-solving, Ruby embraces the idea that developers should have the freedom to choose the most suitable method for a given task. This approach has contributed to Ruby's reputation for being expressive, allowing developers to write code that is clear, concise, and tailored to their individual preferences and styles.

The quote also highlights Matsumoto's personal conviction and aspiration for Ruby: "I want to make Ruby users free. I want to give them the freedom to choose." These words underscore his commitment to empowering developers and users of Ruby to exercise autonomy in their coding practices. By providing a rich set of features, constructs, and libraries, Ruby enables users to select the most appropriate tools and techniques for their specific coding requirements. This emphasis on freedom and flexibility has been a driving force behind the widespread adoption and enduring popularity of Ruby within the programming community.

Furthermore, Matsumoto's reference to Larry Wall as his hero elucidates the profound influence that the creator of Perl has had on his own approach to language design. Larry Wall is renowned for his idiosyncratic and pragmatic approach to programming, as well as his advocacy for the "TIMTOWTDI" (There Is More Than One Way To Do It) philosophy, which emphasizes the value of offering multiple solutions to programming problems. Matsumoto's admiration for Wall's philosophy is indicative of his deep respect for the diversity of thought and creativity in programming, which he has integrated into the fabric of Ruby.

In essence, Yukihiro Matsumoto's quote encapsulates the ethos of choice, empowerment, and diversity that defines the Ruby programming language. By embracing the Perl philosophy of multiple approaches and championing the freedom of users to make their own decisions, Ruby embodies a spirit of inclusivity and adaptability. This commitment to flexibility has cemented Ruby's status as a language of choice for developers seeking a versatile and accommodating platform for their coding endeavors.

In conclusion, the quote serves as a compelling insight into the fundamental values that underpin the design and evolution of Ruby. It reflects Matsumoto's unwavering dedication to fostering a community of empowered and liberated developers, unshackled by constraints and emboldened by the freedom to choose. As a result, Ruby stands as a testament to the enduring impact of a philosophy that celebrates the multitude of paths to achieving programming objectives, a philosophy that continues to resonate with programmers and enthusiasts alike.