Shareware tends to combine the worst of commercial software with the worst of free software.
The quote highlights the drawbacks of shareware, which often combines the worst aspects of commercial software with the worst aspects of free software. Shareware, by definition, is software that is initially free but later requires payment for continued use. This model can lead to a lack of accountability and a focus on making a quick profit rather than creating high-quality software. As a result, shareware tends to be plagued by bugs, poor user interfaces, and a general lack of polish.
The quote emphasizes the importance of considering the motivations and incentives behind software development. Shareware, in particular, can be a reflection of the developer's priorities and values, which may not align with the needs and expectations of users.
The quote was spoken by Linus Torvalds, the creator of the Linux operating system, in the early 2000s. At the time, shareware was a popular model for distributing software, particularly for games and productivity applications.
Linus Torvalds is a Finnish software engineer and the creator of the Linux operating system. He is known for his contributions to the development of open-source software and his advocacy for the importance of free and open-source software.
The quote can be applied to various aspects of software development, such as the importance of considering the motivations and incentives behind software development. It can also serve as a warning against the pitfalls of shareware and the need for high-quality software that meets the needs and expectations of users.
The quote has been criticized for its perceived negativity towards shareware and the software development community. Some argue that shareware can be a viable and effective model for distributing software, particularly for small developers or startups.