Justin SearlsJul 12, 2023

Remember some of the hot-button issues in tech over the last decade? People angry over the use of the word "passion". The merits of "craftsmanship". Whether the "10x developer" is a myth.

Something connects all of these debates, and nobody's really talking about it. That's why I wrote this essay: https://blog.testdouble.com/posts/2023-07-12-the-looming-demise-of-the-10x-developer/

The looming demise of the 10x developer

Tech's most contentious debates end with people talking over each other, but they make way more sense viewed through the lens of inter-generational conflict.

Test Double
Show threadWogan MayJul 13, 2023
@searls Looking forward to reading this one! Just from a quick skim though, it reminds me of an Uncle Bob lecture from a few years ago, where he pointed out that software used to be a true profession (since it was introduced into existing engineering professions as a new tool). I think your overall thesis that the "hobbyist" era might be coming to a close is right, but let me read the full thing first :)
Show threadJustin SearlsJul 13, 2023
@wogan yeah, this is not that.
Show threadWogan MayJul 13, 2023

@searls I see that now, having actually read the thing - like I said, I skimmed it at first :)

I’ll need to dig it out, but a few years ago I read a very interesting essay on the formation, evolution and eventual extinction of subcultures - as they grow, they attract less-aligned people until they’re overrun with “normies”.

Whatever “club” “we” (I got my first PC at age 7, self-taught BASIC) belong to is not likely to happen again, on that I agree. I’ll give this more thought.

Show threadWogan MayJul 13, 2023
@searls Your mention of the 2003 professor who pointed out there used to be more female programmers: That’s an almost-verbatim repeat of a segment of an old Uncle Bob lecture, hence the association. He saw that shift in the industry first-hand. Can dig out the clip if you’re interested?
Show threadJustin SearlsJul 13, 2023
@wogan I think I saw him do the same talk.
Show threadWogan May
@searls Yeah that would track 😂
Jul 13, 2023 at 5:23pmWeb