> 10x software engineers are mostly 10x problem solvers who happen to be programmers I don't think it's just about problem solving, as in "solving a math probl

> 10x software engineers are mostly 10x problem solvers who happen to be programmers I don't think it's just about problem solving, as in "solving a math problem". The 10x is, I believe, the combination of different factors: - Knowing you language and its ecosystem by heart: 2X - Knowing your codebase by heart: 2X - Mastering your tools (IDE/editor, Git,...), perhaps making your own tools: 2X - Using good development methodology (e.g. limit trial-and-error or do it thoughtfully): 2X - Being unsocial so people think twice before interrupting you: 1.5X So in my opinion, on the contrary being a 10X engineer has a lot to do with being a good programmer.