“Code was never the hard part” is an insult to all programmers (blog.senko.net)

Article summary

The article argues that the statement 'code was never the hard part' is an insult to programmers, as it downplays the complexity and difficulty of coding. The author believes that coding is a craft that requires skill, patience, and attention to detail, and that it will continue to be relevant in the future. The article also discusses the importance of understanding the system being built and the needs of the users. The author encourages programmers to be adaptable and to invest time and energy into understanding fields adjacent to theirs.

Main themes

• Coding complexity
• Software development
• AI impact
• Programmer skills
• Industry change
• Regulation and compliance

What commenters say

• Writing correct code is hard and requires a deep understanding of the system and its constraints.
• The difficulty of coding is often underestimated, and the effort to make coding easier is a testament to its complexity.
• Programmers' high salaries are not just due to their ability to write code, but also due to their ability to interact with customers and understand their needs.
• The distinction between 'builders' and 'engineers' is important, with builders focusing on shipping products and engineers focusing on technically sound software.
• Regulatory regimes for software are lighter than those for other industries, such as bridge-building or aviation, but still pose significant challenges for programmers.
• The use of AI in coding will not replace human developers, as maintaining code and adapting to changing business needs requires human judgment and expertise.
• Programmers have a personal responsibility to ensure their code is correct and reliable, as it can have significant consequences for users.
• The industry's focus on rapid development and deployment can lead to a lack of attention to maintenance and long-term value creation.