I have a mouse, but don't have a mouse driver for MINIX…
“I have a mouse, but don't have a mouse driver for MINIX and have never felt the need to write one. Typing "rm x y z" is a lot faster than clicking five times and then having to convince the system that you really, truly, mean it and this is not a mistake and that you are consenting adult over 18 and that you completely understand the consequences and you still want to do it.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Efficiency can outweigh completeness; practical shortcuts often trump exhaustive solutions.
In simple terms: Practical speed beats thoroughness sometimes.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize speed when it serves the task.
Themes
efficiency
practicality
trade‑offs
Mood
analytical
pragmatic
Type
technical
educational
When to use this quote
- software development
- system administration
- automation scripting
- educational labs
Key Concepts
system design
user experience
command line shortcuts
Questions to Reflect On
- When is speed more important than safety?
- What safeguards can you add without slowing work?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on shortcuts can cause errors or security risks.