In this blog post, the author discusses the concept of “enlightenmentware” in software tools that transcend mere utility and capture our imagination. The author highlights UNIX as the software that had the most significant impact on their enlightenment, introducing them to the magical world of operating systems. They also discuss the transformative experiences with Git and Emacs, emphasizing the unique features and beauty of each tool that contributed to their enlightenment. Additionally, the author explores Boost.Graph and Bazel, expressing admiration for their design and functionality, despite not using them practically. Overall, the author emphasizes the importance of deep, impactful software tools in the daily lives of programmers.
https://mmapped.blog/posts/28-enlightenmentware.html