Unix - A History and a Memoir

by Brian W. Kernighan

Cover for Unix - A History and a Memoir

Book Summary

The development and proliferation of UNIX stands as one of the most influential chapters in the history of computing. In this reflective yet precise account, Brian W. Kernighan, one of the system’s original architects, offers readers an insider’s perspective into UNIX’s evolution—from its modest beginnings at Bell Labs to its enduring legacy across modern software engineering. Kernighan’s narrative blends technical curiosity, personal anecdotes, and clear explanations, providing both a memoir and a technical chronicle that illuminates how UNIX shaped the digital landscape and set the foundation for much of today’s software infrastructure.

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