5 Things An IT Aspirant can learn from Linus Torvalds
Linus Benedict Torvalds; the man behind Linux is well-known for his creation of the first open-source operating system kernel. He is one of the prominent pioneers in the open-source community.
When it comes to computers, Linux is the name that comes to everyone’s mind. So, here are the five things you can learn from the connoisseur of Linux.
1) A hobby can change your life:
Hobbies are essential for having a well-rounded life. Having a hobby that we enjoy brings us joy and enriches our lives and in some cases, it brings wealth too.
Yes, you read that right!
Linus started his journey because of his undying love for computers. He didn’t start out to become famous, it was his hobby that made him work for Linux.
In one of his post that he made a before he released the kernel, he had this to say:
I’m developing a free operating system. Just a hobby, won’t be big and professional like GNU for 386 (486) AT clones. This has been brewing since April and is starting to get ready. I’d like any feedback on things people like/dislike in Minix, as my operating system resembles it somewhat same physical layout of the file system among other things.
Linus Torvalds
His hobby and readiness to share his work with others along with the idea of collaboration effectively completed the GNU project and Linux was built.
2) You don’t necessarily have to start big:
Linus Torvalds did not aim for success, he just did what he loved the most from the sources that he had.
In 1991, Linus Wanted to buy a Unix system but he didn’t have enough money so he decided to make his own clone of Unix from scratch known as Linux.
He proved that you can do wonders if you love what you do. Small efforts could lead to big achievements if you are passionate about it.
This is what exactly he did when he put his Linux Operating System on the internet in 1991 and said he didn’t think it would be much. He made it just for fun.
His small selfless effort back then is enjoyed by all of us today!
3) Give what you have:
Most successful people follow a passion and not paychecks, Linus Torvald is one of them.
Linux was started as a pet project at the University of Helsinki. The main intention to develop Linux was to provide a free and open-source alternative to the academic MINIX operating system (which was created by Andrew Tannenbaum). To Linus’s surprise, adoption of Linux grew rapidly and by 1997 and it was running on more than 3 million devices.
This wouldn’t have happened if he didn’t give it for free.
Linus always worked in a collaborative approach and by giving Linux, Torvalds and the entire Linux community have created more value than anyone could have imagined.
As the saying goes.. “The more you give, the more you receive.”
Linus today is estimated to be worth around $150 million.
4) Extend your potential and Be Consistent:
Consistency in anything leads to perfection. Linus did not stop after the Linux Operating System.
In 2005, he developed GIT and it was his second big project after Linux. Git was designed for tracking changes in source code during software development.
In one of Linus Torvalds’ interviews, he said; the reason behind GIT was to prove himself that he wasn’t just a “one-hit-wonder”. Linux is just a reimplementation of Unix. GIT proved that I could be more than a one-hit-wonder.
He extended his potential and contributed more to the IT industry.
5) Never compromise on what you believe in and follow your heart:
Linus has the spirit of a true programmer. If he didn’t like something, he changed it and shared his knowledge with the world.
In 2000, he was offered employment by Steve Jobs in Apple Inc. with a quite good salary and remarkable position. But that job demanded him to do non-Linux things at Apple. That is when his heart didn’t allow him to accept the job and he refused the proposal and continued as a free developer.
Torvalds knew what he was doing and didn’t compromise on what he believed in. His honest nature and positive attitude made him what he is today. If he would have accepted that job proposal then we might not have Linux today.
He pioneered an approach to large-scale open-source development that everyone follows today and fruits of which are enjoyed by all of us.
He is now in charge of various projects and numerous contributors working along with him.
He is a free operator, his salary paid by the nonprofit Linux Foundation.
He made something possible which most people believed to be irrational.
Linus Torvalds Quotes:
“If you know the system well enough, you can do things that aren’t supposed to be possible.”
Linus Torvalds
His contributions to the IT industry are commendable and will always be remembered for ages to come.
Didn’t he make himself an idol to all the programmers? Tell us what you think in the comments. If you liked this article, then do share with your friends and colleagues. And don’t forget to subscribe to Fightrons!
