I don't know anyone that would say that 10x developers don't exist at all. It's too easy to bring up someone like John Carmack or many foundational people in c

I don't know anyone that would say that 10x developers don't exist at all. It's too easy to bring up someone like John Carmack or many foundational people in computer science that invented algorithms us layfolk could never imagine. My experience with the phrase is people mean finding a "diamond in the rough" who can code circles around anyone else. It's not about finding a Norvig or Carmack, it's about finding a fresh graduate that you can stick on a problem and they will be bountifully productive. It's basically a manager's wet dream: extremely productive but cheap. In my experience real 10x people appear to be the opposite: seemingly slow but incredibly expensive. Everyone I actually consider 10x makes millions. And of those that are friends, they didn't really reach that 10x stage until their 30s or 40s.