Meaning: The quote "In college, before video games, we would amuse ourselves by posing programming exercises" by Ken Thompson, a renowned computer scientist, reflects a time when computer programming was not only a serious academic pursuit but also a form of entertainment and challenge among students. This quote provides insight into the early days of computer science education and the enthusiasm that surrounded programming before the widespread popularity of video games.

During the time when Ken Thompson was in college, which was in the 1960s, computer science was still a relatively new and evolving field. The availability of computers was limited, and programming was primarily done through punch cards or early computer terminals. As a result, students had to be creative and resourceful in finding ways to engage with the emerging field of computer science.

The quote suggests that, in the absence of modern forms of entertainment such as video games, students found joy and intellectual stimulation in creating and solving programming exercises. This reflects the passion and dedication of early computer science enthusiasts who were driven by a genuine interest in the principles of computing and the challenge of writing efficient and elegant code.

In this context, posing programming exercises was not just a way to pass the time, but also a means of sharpening one's programming skills and exploring the capabilities of early computer systems. It was a form of intellectual play that allowed students to experiment with algorithms, data structures, and problem-solving techniques, laying the foundation for the rigorous and disciplined approach to programming that has become synonymous with the field of computer science.

Ken Thompson, as a key figure in the development of the UNIX operating system and the C programming language, is speaking from his own experience as a student and a programmer. His quote reflects the ethos of a generation of computer science pioneers who were driven by curiosity, ingenuity, and a deep appreciation for the art and science of programming.

The quote also serves as a reminder of the transformative impact of technological advancements. The evolution of video games and other forms of digital entertainment has changed the landscape of leisure activities and the way people engage with technology. While video games now dominate the realm of recreational computing, it is important to recognize and appreciate the earlier era when programming itself was a source of amusement and intellectual fulfillment.

In conclusion, Ken Thompson's quote captures a bygone era in the history of computer science, when programming exercises were a source of entertainment and intellectual challenge for students. It sheds light on the early days of computer science education and the passion that drove students to engage with the emerging field of computing. The quote serves as a poignant reminder of the joy and satisfaction that can be derived from the art of programming, independent of modern forms of entertainment.