---
title: Software Naming Has Power
date: 2026-03-17T09:08:54+05:30
categories:
  - tools
description: Names influence how software feels and spreads, because a tool’s emotional and linguistic resonance can shape adoption as much as its functionality.
keywords: [software naming, product design, branding, developer tools, adoption, language]
---

Software naming has power.

I first became aware of this when a friend commented how much he enjoyed starting Windows 3.

"Win," he said. "I just love typing that!"

<!-- https://gemini.google.com/u/2/app/df12e01429787d55 -->
![](https://files.s-anand.net/images/2026-03-17-software-naming-is-power.avif)

I felt this this again recently with [`just`](https://github.com/casey/just).

```bash
just lint
```

Can you feel it?

```bash
just build
```

Actually, I just like to **say** "Just..."

```bash
just test
```

![Just like Hobbes loves saying "Smock"](https://picayune.uclick.com/comics/ch/1992/ch920623.gif)