Answers Quote by Gary Kildall
![“Ask Bill [Gates] why the string in function 9 is terminated by a dollar sign. Ask him, because he can't answer, only I know that.” quote by Gary Kildall](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/744/gary-kildall-68174_answers_ask-bill-gates-why-the-string-in-functio_1872761.jpg)
“Ask Bill [Gates] why the string in function 9 is terminated by a dollar sign. Ask him, because he can't answer, only I know that.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Computer History Museum, 1998
A playful challenge to Bill Gates about a coding convention, implying insider knowledge.
In simple terms: A joke about a code detail only the speaker knows.
Key Takeaway
Embrace curiosity and humor in tech discussions.
Themes
humor
technology
insider knowledge
Mood
playful
lighthearted
Type
anecdotal
humorous
When to use this quote
- software development meetings
- coding workshops
- tech conferences
Key Concepts
programming conventions
software history
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the dollar sign signify in that context?
- How can humor aid learning?
A Different Perspective
May alienate those unfamiliar with the reference.
![“Ask Bill [Gates] why the string in [MS-DOS] function 9 is terminated by a dollar sign. Ask him, because he can't answer. Only I know that.” quote by Gary Kildall](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d87/gary-kildall-68174_answers_ask-bill-gates-why-the-string-in-ms-dos_2563460.jpg)
