Code Quote by Ken Thompson
“You can't trust code that you did not totally create yourself.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Unix History, 1979
Only code you fully understand and control can be trusted; reliance on others' code invites risk.
In simple terms: Trust only code you fully understand.
Key Takeaway
Write and review your own code.
Themes
trust
software
control
security
Mood
pragmatic
cautious
Type
technical
professional
When to use this quote
- open‑source contributions
- team projects
- critical systems
Key Concepts
software engineering
risk management
ownership
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you verify third‑party code?
- When is it okay to rely on others' code?
A Different Perspective
Collaboration can improve code quality despite trust concerns.
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