The Most Helpful Programs I Have Ever Coded: A Journey Through Innovation and Utility

As a seasoned software developer, I have had the privilege of coding numerous projects, but some stand out as particularly transformative. One such project is the Veritas File System (VxFS), a transactional journaling file system that revolutionized Unix enterprise computing. This system enabled instant recovery from crashes, a feat considered impossible without such a robust solution. VxFS gained widespread adoption among major players like HP, DEC, IBM, Pyramid, Sequent, and many others who had licensed the technology. Even Sun Microsystems, known for its innovative spirit, eventually embraced VxFS to compete in the enterprise market. Today, VxFS remains a gold standard in POSIX-compatible transactional file systems after nearly three decades.

From the Top: The Medical Records App

Apart from VxFS, the medical records application I developed alongside a dedicated team stands out for its utility. Not only did it help us in completing the job, but it also provided a means to verify that we had indeed built the medical records system we were contracted to deliver. A key feature of this app was a specialized language that made it easy for qualified software engineers to use, especially those who understood the specific requirements of the end users. This project was a testament to the importance of delivering a solution that truly meets the needs of its users while also being maintainable and scalable.

PL9: A Compiler from the 70s

During the late 1970s, I developed a compiler called PL9 for use with one of the first 8-bit microcomputers. While the initial sales of a couple of thousand copies were modest, the compiler found a niche market among engineers designing control systems and other projects. My customers found it incredibly useful, and it surpassed any alternatives available at the time. Although now it may seem quaint compared to contemporary software, back then, it represented a significant technological advancement in the field of embedded systems programming.

Recent Innovations: A High-Level Scripting Language for WordPress

More recently, one of my most useful projects has been developing a high-level scripting language that runs within the WordPress platform. This tool allows users to create web applications without having to dive into JavaScript, which some find challenging. As a proficient JavaScript developer, I can attest to the benefits of this approach: it enables quicker development, easier bug fixing, and overall more maintainable websites. While I would love to see this tool gain wider recognition and adoption, currently it remains niche. Feedback from other users could certainly help in refining and expanding its reach, but the early stages of a new tool often face resistance to change.

The Market for Innovation

It is a well-known fact that products that receive the most advertising dollars tend to capture the largest market share, regardless of whether they are truly the most useful. Buried beneath the barrage of publicity and marketing efforts are countless highly useful projects that remain undiscovered by the wider audience. In today's hyper-competitive market, it can be challenging to stand out from the crowd. The sheer amount of shouting and shouting back can drown out the voices of those presenting truly innovative and useful solutions. This phenomenon is often referred to as Sturgeon's Law, which states that "95% of everything is crap," though the actual percentage can vary, it emphasizes the need to look beyond the mainstream for valuable technologies and tools.

Lessons Learned

Thank you, Sadie, for asking this question, as it has provided us with a chance to share some insights into our personal projects and experiences. It is essential to continue innovating and pushing boundaries, even when faced with the overwhelming noise of modern marketing. I hope this reflection helps highlight the importance of staying true to one's vision and not letting the clamor of the market drown out the voices of those advocating for truly useful technology.