Meaning: The quote "One of my most productive days was throwing away 1000 lines of code" by Ken Thompson, a computer scientist and co-creator of the UNIX operating system, encapsulates the essence of the principle of simplicity in software development. It emphasizes the idea that removing unnecessary complexity and streamlining code can result in increased productivity and efficiency. This quote has been widely cited and has become a guiding principle for many software developers and engineers.

In the context of software development, writing code is often perceived as a measure of productivity. However, the act of discarding a significant amount of code can lead to a more elegant and efficient solution. Ken Thompson's quote underscores the importance of quality over quantity in software development. It suggests that eliminating unnecessary code can lead to a more manageable and maintainable codebase, ultimately enhancing productivity in the long run.

The concept of "throwing away" code does not necessarily imply that the effort put into writing the discarded code was wasted. Rather, it acknowledges that the process of writing code is iterative, and that it is sometimes necessary to revise or discard code in order to achieve the best possible solution. This iterative approach is fundamental to the agile methodology, which emphasizes continuous improvement and adaptation in software development.

Thompson's quote also highlights the value of simplicity in software design. Unnecessarily complex code can be difficult to understand, maintain, and extend. By removing redundant or convoluted code, developers can create a more straightforward and comprehensible system. This aligns with the principle of "simplicity over complexity" advocated by many influential figures in the software engineering community, such as the authors of the Agile Manifesto.

Furthermore, the act of discarding code reflects a willingness to embrace change and adapt to evolving requirements. In the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of software development, the ability to refactor and restructure code is essential. By being open to discarding code that no longer serves its purpose, developers can pivot and respond to new challenges and opportunities more effectively.

Thompson's quote has resonated with software developers across different domains and industries, serving as a reminder that productivity in software development should not be measured solely by the quantity of code produced, but by the quality and impact of the code. It encourages developers to prioritize clarity, simplicity, and maintainability, ultimately leading to more productive and successful outcomes.

In summary, Ken Thompson's quote "One of my most productive days was throwing away 1000 lines of code" encapsulates the essence of simplicity, quality, and adaptability in software development. It underscores the importance of removing unnecessary complexity, embracing change, and prioritizing elegant and maintainable solutions. This quote continues to inspire and guide software developers in their pursuit of productive and impactful coding practices.