💡 Inspired by a VP of Whatever on LinkedIn claiming that applications are “ephemeral”, I thought of going through this exercise of seeing what are the oldest software programs I use on a regular basis.

📜 So here it is: a non-exhaustive list of the long-time apps I use regularly ordered from oldest to newest—proving that good apps do indeed stand the test of time. Some entries:

* Logic Pro
* Day One
* Fastmail
* Bear (Markdown)

h/t @Robb for the great quote at the end!

buttondown.com/theinternet/arc

The Oldest Software (Apps) I Regularly Use - The Oldest Software (Apps) I Regularly Use

Cycles Hyped No More

The Oldest Software (Apps) I Regularly Use

Proof that applications are not ephemeral and that the long-term quality and stability of software truly matters.

Brian Davis

@intrepidhero@vmst.io

@jaredwhite @Robb

* vim
* bash
* linux
* python
* gcc

I could go on and on.

My hot take: Infrastructure software should be open source, maintained by non-profit foundations. Government agencies should be directed to prefer open source solutions and dedicate a portion of their IT budget toward supporting those foundations maintaining the software they use. Silicon valley style startups can do their thing in parallel but fund open source as the public good that it is and the competition will drive private industry to do better.

July 17, 2025 at 7:46:47 PM

@intrepidhero @Robb I agree wholeheartedly. We need a software commons which encompasses all common usage of computer systems. Corps are then welcome to come up with ideas for more targeted solutions for certain sorts of customers or whatever.

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