I did something similar a few years ago to get the feeling of how a 90's developer would work developing GUI's using tools that came with CDE. I compiled CDE f

I did something similar a few years ago to get the feeling of how a 90's developer would work developing GUI's using tools that came with CDE. I compiled CDE from source using a Debian I installed from debootstrap. Installing Debian that way was already lot of work a good learning experience. Of course, a 90's developer with access to a UNIX workstation probably wouldn't have to install the system or all the tools themselves. After running CDE, I then did some quick but enlightening experiments with application builder. Although I liked the fact that I could use C, it was not as flowed, fast or cheap as delphi was at the time. Actually even the UI theme wasn't as attractive. But it was fun. It felt powerful. The feeling that I was using a tool that has been developed decades ago, somewhat maintained and compiled on a modern system thanks to the source being available was impressive. There was a feeling of integration. Some form of integration of ideas, ideals and philosophy. I mean... it was the same tools, but running a modern system, modern hardware, modern compilers, debug and analysis tools which use theories that didn't even exist when those tools were envisioned. And all that worked nicely because there was a form of vote, an agreement, in following standards. I understand now, from proper experience, why some people could see an aura of superiority around UNIX devs.