Meaning: The quote by Eric Raymond highlights the significance of open source software and the "hacker ethic" in the success of the X software. The "hacker ethic" refers to the principles and values that guide the behavior of computer programmers and enthusiasts, emphasizing the importance of open access to information and collaborative problem-solving.

The X software mentioned in the quote is likely a reference to the X Window System, a foundational component of many Unix-based operating systems that provides the framework for graphical user interfaces. The X Window System was developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the 1980s and has since become a crucial part of the Unix and Linux ecosystems.

Raymond's statement underscores the pivotal role played by the decision to release the X software as open source. In the context of software development, open source refers to the practice of making the source code of a program freely available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute. This approach stands in contrast to proprietary software, which is typically kept confidential and can only be modified and distributed under specific conditions set by the software's owner.

By choosing to release the sources of the X software for free, the developers embraced the principles of the hacker ethic and the open source movement. This decision had a profound impact on the software's success, as it allowed a wide range of developers and organizations to access, study, and contribute to the codebase. This collaborative model of development fostered innovation and allowed the X software to evolve rapidly in response to the needs and feedback of its user community.

Furthermore, the ability to distribute the sources over the Internet played a crucial role in the widespread adoption of the X Window System. The Internet provided a global platform for sharing and exchanging the software, enabling developers from different parts of the world to collaborate on its development. This decentralized and inclusive approach to software distribution was instrumental in the rapid growth of the X software's user base and its integration into various Unix-based operating systems.

The success of the X software serves as a compelling example of the power of open source and the hacker ethic in the world of software development. It demonstrates that by embracing openness, collaboration, and the free exchange of ideas, developers can create high-quality software that meets the needs of a diverse user community. Moreover, the impact of the X Window System extends beyond its technical achievements, as it has also contributed to shaping the broader culture of open source and collaborative software development.

In conclusion, Eric Raymond's quote encapsulates the pivotal role of open source principles and the hacker ethic in the success of the X software. By making the sources freely available and leveraging the Internet for distribution, the developers of the X Window System exemplified the transformative potential of open source development. Their willingness to share and collaborate has left a lasting legacy, influencing the evolution of software development practices and inspiring a new generation of open source projects and communities.