Meaning: This quote is a playful and somewhat cryptic reference to the programming language Fortran and the work of Ken Thompson, a renowned computer scientist who co-created the Unix operating system and the programming language B. The quote is attributed to Thompson and is likely part of a conversation or exchange with someone named Grant, with whom he was discussing the editing of Fortran.

Fortran, which stands for "Formula Translation," is one of the oldest high-level programming languages and was developed in the 1950s for scientific and engineering calculations. It is known for its use of columns to indicate specific parts of the code, such as the first column being used for statement labels, the sixth column for continuation marks, and so on. This use of columns is a defining feature of the language and is likely what Thompson is referring to when he mentions putting a "column thing" in there.

Thompson's mention of editing Fortran in the quote may be a nod to the challenges and idiosyncrasies of working with the language, particularly in the context of making modifications or improvements to existing Fortran code. Given his background as a computer scientist and programmer, Thompson's comment could be interpreted as a lighthearted remark about the intricacies of working with a language like Fortran and the care that must be taken when making changes to its code.

Ken Thompson himself is a significant figure in the history of computer science and software development. Alongside Dennis Ritchie, he played a key role in the creation of the Unix operating system and the development of the C programming language. His work has had a lasting impact on the field, and his contributions to the development of computer systems and programming languages are widely recognized and celebrated.

Thompson's comment about editing Fortran offers a glimpse into his perspective on programming languages and the technical challenges that come with working in the field of software development. It also reflects the playful and creative side of his personality, as evidenced by the casual and humorous tone of the quote.

In summary, the quote attributed to Ken Thompson about editing Fortran is a brief but intriguing glimpse into the world of programming languages and the experiences of a prominent figure in computer science. It captures the nuances and complexities of working with languages like Fortran while also hinting at the wit and humor that can be found in the world of software development. Thompson's legacy as a pioneering programmer and computer scientist lends further weight to his words, making this quote a memorable and insightful reflection on the art and science of programming.