If your operating system uses binary formats for critical data (such as user-account records) it is likely that no tradition of readable textual formats for applications will develop. We explain in more detail why this is a problem in Chapter5. For now it's sufficient to note the following consequences:
Even if a command-line interface, scripting, and pipes are supported, very few filters will evolve.
Data files will be accessible only through dedicated tools. Developers will think of the tools rather than the data files as central. Thus, different versions of file formats will tend to be incompatible.
To design the perfect anti-Unix, make all file formats binary and opaque, and require heavyweight tools to read and edit them.
