cat > vmunix (was: Re: how do you tell a wizard)

[Dave Mankins]

Firstly, saying ``cat > vmunix'' presupposes there being a unix already
executing on the machine, or at least the dear old V6 shell that we know
and love (which implemented ``goto'' by doing a seek on its standard input!
and which had most other flow-of-control implemented as programs, not
built-in commands).

Secondly, at the time, the kernel was called ``unix'', not ``vmunix''.

Third, the technique used was to to deposit the code using the switches 
on the front panel of the PDP-11.

Which reminds me...  Wizards can tell you the etymology of the name, ``dsw''.

Also, a wizard understands the code ``explained'' by a
comment in the V6 kernel which concluded, ``You are not expected to 
understand this.''

In addition to the Lions book, wizards probably also have a dog-eared 
copy of the old blue BSTJ special issue on UNIX (and eclectic wizards might
have retained the companion volume on the Atlanta Fiber Optic installation). 

But this is ancient history.  Hmm.  A young wizard can tell you how ``['' in the
Bourne shell works.

Or, there is the old test: Someone who truly understands UNIX not only 
understands why ``rm *'' screws you, but understands why IT HAS TO BE THAT WAY. 
david mankins (dm at think.com)