I'm pretty sure the concept of a hidden file was an unintended consequence. It was certainly a mistake.via plus.google.comHow many bugs and wasted CPU cycles and instances of human frustration (not to mention bad design) have resulted from that one small shortcut about 40 years ago?
Keep that in mind next time you want to cut a corner in your code.
As well considered Unix always seemed to be, the notion that hidden files were an unintended consequence of a "quick hack" is amusing...