"People who are really serious about software should make their own hardware"

If you truly want to get the most out of software, you need to get your hands dirty with hardware. Why? Because understanding the physical machine your software runs on can make a world of difference.

Let's break this down. Think about a chef. An excellent chef doesn't just know how to cook. They understand their tools, their ovens, their knives, even the chemistry of how things bake and boil. This deep knowledge lets them create better dishes. Similarly, if you're serious about software, knowing hardware can help you write better, more efficient code.

Historically speaking, this idea isn't new. In the early days of computing, pioneers like Steve Wozniak, who co-founded Apple, actually built the hardware their software ran on. Wozniak didn't just write code; he designed the Apple I and II computers. This deep involvement in both the hardware and software made those early Apple computers revolutionary. They were powerful, efficient, and user-friendly in ways competitors couldn't match.

Let's bring this idea into a modern, real-life scenario. Imagine you're developing a new app that needs to be super fast and responsive—say, a video game with high-definition graphics. If you only know software, you might struggle to optimize your code because you don't understand how the CPU or GPU in users' devices will handle it. But if you know hardware, you can write software that makes the best possible use of the machine's processing power. You might, for example, understand how to split tasks to run in parallel on multi-core processors, making your game run smoother and faster.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? Start small. You don't need to build a computer from scratch (unless you're up for the challenge!). Begin by understanding the hardware basics. Learn about CPUs, memory, storage, and how they interact with software. There are tons of resources online, from YouTube videos to community forums. Build a PC, even if it's just assembling parts bought online. You'll get a tangible sense of how hardware and software interplay.

Now, let’s imagine a scenario to drive this home. Picture you're a freelance software developer named Alex. You've been hired to create a custom software solution for a company that manufactures drones. The company complains that their current software makes the drones slow and unresponsive.

You dig in and realize the issue isn't just with the code—it's how the code interacts with the drone's hardware. By understanding the specific hardware—its processors, sensors, and communication modules—you can rewrite the software to run more efficiently. The result? Drones that respond faster, use less battery, and perform better overall. The company is thrilled, and you get major kudos for going above and beyond.

There you have it. If you’re serious about software, dabbling in hardware isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential. It’s like being a chef who knows their kitchen inside and out. The deeper your understanding, the better your creations. So roll up your sleeves and dive in—you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.