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I recall a discussion here about the decline in software quality, from many years ago. Someone argued that if we designed hardware the way we design software, w

I recall a discussion here about the decline in software quality, from many years ago. Someone argued that if we designed hardware the way we design software, we'd be too afraid to go outside. At the time, I thought it was just hyperbole... It's still clearly an exaggeration, but one could argue that reality is gradually moving in that direction.

stonemetal12 2y ago
>gradually moving in that direction Lead paint on children's toys and asbestos in the walls suggest there has never been a culture of making sure it is safe before putting it in production even in the physical world.
- ben_w 2y ago
  Lead pipes, yes. But asbestos in the walls is great for the safety of those living there — the place doesn't burn down so easily. It's the safety of anyone who inhales the dust when the place gets broken down that's endangered by asbestos.
  - deleted 2y ago
    [deleted]
lnsru 2y ago
My director pushes production guys really hard. They sometimes close an eye and ship a bit faulty product. No screws on heatspreader or wrong thermal pad. And here you go, these things do not last long. But in the books revenue was made in that year. Repairs will come later as separate expense.
ben_w 2y ago
> I recall a discussion here about the decline in software quality, from many years ago. Someone argued that if we designed hardware the way we design software, we'd be too afraid to go outside. At the time, I thought it was just hyperbole... That meme goes back at least to the 90s: https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/car-balk/ https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/car-balk/
EasyMark 2y ago
My take on this that's more to do with increase in software complexity and "quarterly thinking" than "people just don't care." As an embedded engineer I don't get much to say except maybe sprint to sprint unless I start my own company.
- lcnPylGDnU4H9OF 2y ago
  "Quarterly thinking" is an implementation detail of "people just don't care".

stonemetal12 2y ago

>gradually moving in that direction Lead paint on children's toys and asbestos in the walls suggest there has never been a culture of making sure it is safe before putting it in production even in the physical world.

ben_w 2y ago
Lead pipes, yes. But asbestos in the walls is great for the safety of those living there — the place doesn't burn down so easily. It's the safety of anyone who inhales the dust when the place gets broken down that's endangered by asbestos.
- deleted 2y ago
  [deleted]

lnsru 2y ago

My director pushes production guys really hard. They sometimes close an eye and ship a bit faulty product. No screws on heatspreader or wrong thermal pad. And here you go, these things do not last long. But in the books revenue was made in that year. Repairs will come later as separate expense.

ben_w 2y ago

> I recall a discussion here about the decline in software quality, from many years ago. Someone argued that if we designed hardware the way we design software, we'd be too afraid to go outside. At the time, I thought it was just hyperbole... That meme goes back at least to the 90s: https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/car-balk/ https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/car-balk/

EasyMark 2y ago

My take on this that's more to do with increase in software complexity and "quarterly thinking" than "people just don't care." As an embedded engineer I don't get much to say except maybe sprint to sprint unless I start my own company.

lcnPylGDnU4H9OF 2y ago
"Quarterly thinking" is an implementation detail of "people just don't care".