We have used too many levels of abstractions (unixsheikh.com)

Article summary

The article argues that the tech industry has become too reliant on abstractions, leading to a lack of understanding of how things work at a deeper level. This can cause problems when things break and nobody knows how to fix them. The author suggests that while abstractions are useful, it's essential to understand how they work and not just rely on tools and automation. The article advises people studying technology to be curious, learn how things work underneath, and not just follow hype or trends.

Main themes

• abstractions in tech
• learning and understanding
• balance between abstraction and fundamentals
• industry pressures and priorities
• technological complexity
• education and training

What commenters say

• Some commenters agree that too many layers of abstraction can be problematic and lead to a lack of understanding of underlying technologies.
• Others argue that abstractions are necessary and useful, and that it's not necessary for everyone to understand how things work at a deep level.
• A few commenters suggest that the issue is not with abstractions themselves, but with the fact that many people are not learning the fundamentals of technology and are instead relying on tools and frameworks.
• Some argue that the problem is not unique to the tech industry and that similar issues exist in other fields, such as mechanics and construction.
• A few commenters believe that the solution lies in finding a balance between using abstractions and understanding how they work, rather than trying to eliminate abstractions altogether.
• Others think that the issue is related to the way people are learning and working with technology, and that a more hands-on and experimental approach can help to build a deeper understanding of how things work.
• Some commenters disagree on what constitutes a useful level of abstraction, with some arguing that certain technologies or frameworks are too abstract or too complex.
• A few commenters suggest that the issue is also related to the economic and social pressures of the tech industry, which can prioritize speed and profit over depth of understanding.