Meaning: This quote by Dennis Ritchie, a prominent computer scientist, reflects on the development of the programming language C and the potential consequences of designing it based on the input of a worldwide crowd. Dennis Ritchie, along with Brian Kernighan, created the C programming language at Bell Labs in the early 1970s, and it went on to become one of the most widely used and influential programming languages in the history of computing.

In this quote, Ritchie expresses gratitude that C was not developed under the advice of a worldwide crowd. This sentiment is grounded in the understanding that the development of a programming language requires a deep understanding of the underlying principles of computer science and software engineering. It involves making complex technical decisions that may not be easily understood or agreed upon by a broad, non-expert audience.

Ritchie's reference to "suggestions for where C should go" likely alludes to the evolution and future development of the language. Throughout its history, C has undergone numerous revisions and updates, and its trajectory has been shaped by the insights and expertise of experienced programmers and language designers. Ritchie's cautionary tone suggests that allowing a "worldwide crowd" to dictate the direction of such a critical piece of technology could lead to a lack of coherence and consistency in its design and implementation.

It's important to note that Ritchie's perspective on the development of C is informed by the historical context in which the language was created. The era in which C emerged was characterized by a relatively small community of computer scientists and programmers who were deeply engaged in the intricacies of computing. The idea of soliciting input from a "worldwide crowd" would have been impractical and likely detrimental to the focused and deliberate process of language design.

Ritchie's gratitude for the controlled and expert-driven development of C underscores the value of expertise, experience, and technical insight in the creation of foundational technologies. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a clear and principled vision when developing complex and impactful software systems.

In the context of modern software development, Ritchie's quote can be seen as a cautionary tale against the potential pitfalls of allowing uninformed or unfocused input to unduly influence the design and direction of critical technologies. While the democratization of knowledge and the collaborative nature of open-source development have brought many benefits to the software industry, there remains a need for expertise and stewardship in guiding the evolution of foundational technologies.

Ultimately, Ritchie's quote serves as a reminder of the importance of thoughtful and deliberate decision-making in the development of programming languages and other fundamental technologies. It highlights the value of expertise, experience, and a clear understanding of the underlying principles of computing in shaping the tools and systems that form the backbone of modern software development.