In a recent forum post, renowned Finnish-American software engineer Linus Torvalds, best known for creating the Linux operating system, expressed his skepticism about cryptocurrencies.
Linus Torvalds is a prominent Finnish-American software engineer best known for creating the Linux operating system. Born on 28 December 1969 in Helsinki, Finland, Torvalds displayed an early interest in computers and programming. He pursued a master’s degree in computer science at the University of Helsinki, where he began working on what would become Linux.
In 1991, Torvalds started developing Linux as a personal project. Initially, it was meant to be a free alternative to MINIX, a Unix-like operating system used for educational purposes. On 25 August 1991, Torvalds announced his project on a Usenet newsgroup, inviting others to contribute. This collaborative approach attracted a community of developers who helped improve and expand the system.
Linux is an open-source operating system, meaning its source code is freely available for anyone to view, modify, and distribute. This philosophy contrasts with proprietary software, where the source code is kept secret. The open-source nature of Linux has contributed to its widespread adoption and adaptation across various platforms and devices, from servers and supercomputers to smartphones and embedded systems.
Torvalds’ creation has significantly impacted the tech industry, fostering the development of numerous distributions or “distros” tailored to different user needs. Some well-known distributions include Ubuntu, Fedora, and Debian. These variations have enabled Linux to thrive in diverse environments, from personal computers to enterprise servers.
<!–
–>
Beyond Linux, Torvalds has also created other important software projects. One notable example is Git, a distributed version control system developed in 2005. Git has become an essential tool for software development, allowing multiple developers to collaborate on projects efficiently.
Torvalds’ contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the Millennium Technology Prize in 2012. He remains actively involved in the Linux community, overseeing the development of the Linux kernel, the core component of the operating system. Torvalds’ work has left an indelible mark on the world of technology, exemplifying the power of open-source software and collaborative development.
On May 17, in a post on the Real World Technologies Forums, Torvalds made his stance on cryptocurrencies abundantly clear. The mastermind behind Linux dismissed cryptocurrencies as nothing more than vehicles for scams. He likened them to a Ponzi scheme that thrives on attracting “the next sucker holding the bag.” Torvalds compared the belief in cryptocurrencies to believing in Santa Claus, the tooth fairy, or the Easter bunny, emphasizing his skepticism about their legitimacy and value.
When confronted by a forum user who accused him of misunderstanding cryptocurrencies, Torvalds responded with a pointed rebuttal. He sarcastically invited the user to “mansplain” cryptocurrencies to him but suggested they first educate themselves on blockchains and the use of cryptographic hashes for validating chains of events. Torvalds highlighted that he was involved in significant cryptographic projects well before the advent of Bitcoin. He further implied that the accuser might be one of the “bagholders” trying to offload worthless assets onto others, underscoring his critical view of the cryptocurrency market.
Featured Image via Pixabay
- SEO Powered Content & PR Distribution. Get Amplified Today.
- PlatoData.Network Vertical Generative Ai. Empower Yourself. Access Here.
- PlatoAiStream. Web3 Intelligence. Knowledge Amplified. Access Here.
- PlatoESG. Carbon, CleanTech, Energy, Environment, Solar, Waste Management. Access Here.
- PlatoHealth. Biotech and Clinical Trials Intelligence. Access Here.
- Source: https://www.cryptoglobe.com/latest/2024/05/the-visionary-creator-of-the-linux-operating-system-calls-crypto-a-great-vehicle-for-scams/
