Google's Quest to Hire Linus Torvalds: The Lost Opportunity

In 2005, shortly after the release of the Linux kernel 2.6, there was a brief discussion about Google's potential to hire the legendary Linus Torvalds. While the idea was intriguing, Torvalds remained committed to the Linux Foundation, choosing to work as an independent developer. His dedication to the open-source community and the Linux project played a crucial role in his decision. This article explores why Google never successfully hired Linus and how they ultimately opted for talented researchers instead.

Google's Ambitious Offer

After the release of the Linux kernel 2.6 in May 2005, discussions began within Google about the possibility of hiring Linus Torvalds to work on projects related to Linux. This was a time when Google was already making significant contributions to the open-source community, but the idea of hiring the creator of Linux was tempting.

However, Torvalds decided to stay true to his commitment to the Linux Foundation, preferring to work independently on the Linux kernel. His decision was influenced by his belief in the open-source community and his desire to maintain control over his creation.

Google's Move: Hiring Researchers Behind Operating Systems

In a move that can be seen as a strategic choice, Google opted to hire some of the original researchers who had worked on Unix and Plan 9. Ken Thompson and Rob Pike were two such key figures. By hiring these multi-talented individuals, Google likely wanted to tap into the expertise that created much of the foundation of the modern operating system landscape.

While it is true that hiring Torvalds would have been a coup for Google, his decision to stay independent means that they made a leap towards recruiting the pioneers who laid the groundwork for Linux. Their contributions have echoed through the years, with Ken Thompson and Rob Pike's work extending beyond operating systems.

Ken Thompson: The Genesis of Modern Programming

Ken Thompson's contributions to the field of computing are extensive and profound. Working with Dennis Ritchie, he co-authored the B language, which was the immediate predecessor to the iconic C programming language. It is noteworthy that Linus Torvalds chooses C for his kernel development, a testament to the enduring influence of Thompson and Ritchie's work.

Thompson also designed the UTF-8 encoding scheme for Unicode characters, which has become a de facto standard in the digital world. This innovation alone demonstrates the profound impact of his work. His partnership with Luca Cardelli in designing Newsqueak, the predecessor to the Go language, further highlights his expertise in systems design and programming languages.

Rob Pike: Beyond the Operating System

Rob Pike's work spans a wide array of areas, yet his contributions to operating systems are no less significant. His collaboration with Rob Griesemer on Go, a modern programming language, shows his ability to innovate and adapt to new challenges. Pike's role in the development of UNIX and Plan 9 has made him a formidable force in the field of computing.

Conclusion: Google's Strategic Move

Google's move to hire Ken Thompson and Rob Pike instead of Linus Torvalds was a strategic choice. While Torvalds is a central figure in the open-source community, the contributions of Thompson and Pike have spanned broader areas of computing and programming. This hire would have provided Google with a valuable pool of expertise that could contribute to its ecosystem of projects and technologies.

Linus Torvalds remains a pivotal figure in the history of open-source software, and Google has continued to support and contribute to the Linux community. However, their strategic hiring of Thompson and Pike has reinforced their position as a leader in the tech industry, showcasing their ability to think beyond the obvious and hire individuals who have made profound contributions to foundational technologies.