The author explores the origins of object-oriented programming and design patterns, specifically focusing on Smalltalk-80. While modern Smalltalk variations exist, they do not capture the original essence. The author discovered an “by the Bluebook” implementation of Smalltalk-80 on GitHub, which provided a nostalgic desktop reminiscent of the Apple Lisa or early Mac OS. However, the Smalltalk environment was not an operating system but rather an IDE running on bare hardware. It lacked traditional file systems, desktop metaphors, icons, and pull-down menus. Windows were collapsible, and all window operations were modal. The author acknowledges that while Apple drew inspiration from Xerox, they also made significant additions and improvements to make computers user-friendly.
https://collindonnell.com/the-xerox-smalltalk-80-gui-was-weird