My work was fairly theoretical. It was in recursive function theory. And in particular, hierarchies of functions in terms of computational complexity. I got involved in real computers and programming mainly by being - well, I was interested even as I came to graduate school.

The quote by Dennis Ritchie, "My work was fairly theoretical. It was in recursive function theory. And in particular, hierarchies of functions in terms of computational complexity. I got involved in real computers and programming mainly by being - well, I was interested even as I came to graduate school," highlights Ritchie's background in theoretical computer science, specifically in the areas of recursive function theory and the study of computational complexity. He describes how his early work was more focused on abstract theoretical concepts, such as the relationships between different types of functions and their complexity, rather than hands-on programming or working with computers directly.

Ritchie's mention of recursive function theory points to a branch of mathematics that deals with functions that can be defined in terms of themselves. His reference to hierarchies of functions and computational complexity indicates that his work involved understanding how different computational problems are categorized based on their difficulty or the resources needed to solve them. This area of research laid the groundwork for much of the field of theoretical computer science.

The origin of this quote comes from Dennis Ritchie, a pioneer in the field of computer science who is best known for co-developing the C programming language and contributing significantly to the development of the Unix operating system. Despite his early theoretical work, Ritchie became deeply involved in the practical aspects of computing, transitioning into hands-on work with computers and programming. His path reflects the interconnectedness between theoretical foundations and the practical applications that define modern computing.

Ritchie's words highlight the natural progression from theory to practice in the field of computer science. While his initial focus was on abstract concepts, his growing interest in real-world computers and programming led him to become one of the most influential figures in the development of software and technology. The quote underscores how theoretical knowledge in computational complexity can eventually lead to innovations that shape the technology we use today.