Gregory's Server[#Knuth asserts #programs can be pleasing to write, to read, and can serve humanity whilst incidentally making money.]
The reality is rarely this. Most programs grow into monsters as you add features sales wants and don't always benefit the end user. The foundation of a three story house is different from a building designed with one floor, but time constraints get in the way of planning and doing it right. You get an unstable remudddle. Most programs aren't pleasing to read, aren't pleasing to write due to constraints, and in the end don't fully serve the slice of humanity they target. They make money though. I wonder what #Google search looks like on the inside...