4 ms·

I have learned over the years that there are different types of devs. Some are ok with cranking out features without regard for overall architecture and can han

I have learned over the years that there are different types of devs. Some are ok with cranking out features without regard for overall architecture and can handle the chaos of constant quick fixes over previous quick fixes. There are others (like me) who like well designed systems and get stressed when they are asked to just crank out features without regard for the overall system. Personally I believe that my approach achieves higher velocity over time because the guys who just do quick bandaid fixes get bogged down over time with technical debt. But not everybody agrees. I definitely think you need to know where you are on that spectrum and find an org that fits your style. Otherwise you are in for constant pain and unhappiness.

swader999 2y ago
People love to be the hero that swoops in and saves the day. From the hot mess they created the past year.
kmoser 2y ago
Every situation is different, and sometimes it's prudent to write a kludge to fix something now, while other times it's more prudent to take your time developing a long term solution. There's even the middle ground of monkey patch now, long term solution later. I would argue that a well rounded developer will have the capacity to write kludges when necessary, and long term solutions when necessary. Now, if your boss repeatedly asks you to write the code one way and you are always disagreeing with them, then that would be a good reason to find another job. But if you trust your boss, you'll write the code however they ask, even if it's not your natural preference.
r14c 2y ago
long term, companies that operate like this are better off paying for third party services that handle the more technical details that they aren't interested in managing. these are the target customers for managed infra services like heroku, fly, and such (or more task-specific services like pack digital). imo if you get into heavy technical requirements territory, the leadership has to re-assess their priorities or risk drowning the org in tech debt.

swader999 2y ago

People love to be the hero that swoops in and saves the day. From the hot mess they created the past year.

kmoser 2y ago

Every situation is different, and sometimes it's prudent to write a kludge to fix something now, while other times it's more prudent to take your time developing a long term solution. There's even the middle ground of monkey patch now, long term solution later. I would argue that a well rounded developer will have the capacity to write kludges when necessary, and long term solutions when necessary. Now, if your boss repeatedly asks you to write the code one way and you are always disagreeing with them, then that would be a good reason to find another job. But if you trust your boss, you'll write the code however they ask, even if it's not your natural preference.

r14c 2y ago

long term, companies that operate like this are better off paying for third party services that handle the more technical details that they aren't interested in managing. these are the target customers for managed infra services like heroku, fly, and such (or more task-specific services like pack digital). imo if you get into heavy technical requirements territory, the leadership has to re-assess their priorities or risk drowning the org in tech debt.