Cognitive Scaffold

Preparing your thinking workspace

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MENTAL MODEL · M0682

Unix Philosophy

Unix Philosophy
CultureHigh supportPhilosophy
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

Originated by Ken Thompson and others. Core principles: Do one thing and do it well; write programs to work together; use text streams as the universal interface.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

- Modular thinking: oppose the "bloated" monolithic system. When building any complex system (including company departments), pursue small, independent, composable modules rather than giant monoliths.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Use small tools combined to replace large monoliths: each program does one thing and does it well; programs cooperate; use text streams as the universal interface. Modules are small, independent, and composable; overall capability emerges from "pipes", resisting bloat, easy to maintain and reuse.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unix_philosophyZH · Explicit
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