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“I'm basically giving myself a permanent vacation from being BDFL”

(mail.python.org)
2024 points randlet | 2 comments | 12 Jul 18 15:22 UTC | HN request time: 0s | source
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robotkdick ◴[12 Jul 18 20:02 UTC] No.17518145[source]▶
For anyone else wondering what BDFL means: Benevolent Dictator For Life (BDFL) is a title given to a small number of open-source software development leaders, typically project founders who retain the final say in disputes or arguments within the community. The phrase originated in 1995 with reference to Guido van Rossum, creator of the Python programming language.[1][2] Shortly after van Rossum joined the Corporation for National Research Initiatives, the term appeared in a follow-up mail by Ken Manheimer to a meeting trying to create a semi-formal group that would oversee Python development and workshops; this initial use included the additional joke of naming van Rossum the "First Interim BDFL".[1] Source: Wikipedia

It's interesting that GvR seems to have been the first official BDFL

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exolymph ◴[12 Jul 18 21:49 UTC] No.17518914[source]▶
Especially since Linus is the BDFL most recognized as such.
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1. diN0bot ◴[13 Jul 18 02:45 UTC] No.17520155[source]▶
Not the benevolent part

(regarding his style of communication)

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2. namibj ◴[13 Jul 18 02:58 UTC] No.17520202[source]▶
Bu the communication is not what the benelovent dictator means. It refers to something else.