Can't be fucked: Underrated cause of tech debt (jesseduffield.com)

Article summary

The article discusses the concept of 'can't be fucked' (CBF) as an underrated cause of tech debt, where developers lack the motivation or energy to address technical issues or implement best practices. The author reflects on their own experiences with CBF and how it can lead to suboptimal solutions and technical debt. The article highlights the importance of acknowledging and addressing CBF, rather than hiding behind excuses or software engineering maxims. By being honest about CBF, developers can work towards finding solutions and improving their overall productivity.

Main themes

• tech debt
• motivation and energy
• software engineering best practices
• productivity and time management
• burnout and emotional responses
• work environment and project management

What commenters say

• Some commenters argue that the concept of laziness is often misunderstood and that it is not the same as working fewer hours or having a lack of motivation.
• Others suggest that laziness can be a result of burnout, lack of growth mindset, or emotional responses to certain tasks or situations.
• A few commenters believe that productivity does not scale linearly with time worked and that consistently working long hours can lead to decreased productivity.
• Some argue that the term 'lazy' is often used as a catch-all for various issues, including lack of discipline, skill, or emotional fortitude.
• There is disagreement on whether it is acceptable to 'lie' about the time it takes to complete a task in order to prioritize quality and tech debt over meeting deadlines.
• A few commenters share their personal experiences of having 'chill' project managers who allow them to prioritize quality and tech debt, while others disagree that this is a common or desirable situation.
• Some commenters emphasize the importance of having a supportive work environment and project management that allows for prioritizing quality and tech debt.
• Others argue that it is not feasible to remain fully focused on coding or meetings for 8 hours a day and that breaks and time for 'above-and-beyond' tasks are necessary for productivity.