Fired for not writing code?
Software engineering is not just about lines of code. It’s about delivering value!
There are times when an engineer’s impact goes beyond writing code. This was the case when a VP of Engineering fired a key engineer for not committing code, despite this person being the senior engineer who paired with three other engineers simultaneously.
Writing code is easy; the hard part is understanding, maintaining, and coaching others to write effective code. Great engineers often do more by writing less. They guide, mentor, and ensure the quality and sustainability of the codebase.
This brings to mind the misunderstanding surrounding the latest AI trend. Yes, generative AI can churn out code rapidly, but without expert oversight, it often produces unmaintainable and problematic code.
Remember, the best code is no code at all. The second best is the minimal code that effectively solves a customer problem. Before judging someone by their code commits, consider the true value they bring to the team and the project.
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