Although trained in physics, I worked in the computing industry with pride and purpose for over 40 years. And now I can do nothing but sit back and watch it destroy itself for no valid reason beyond hubris (if I'm being charitable).
Ineffable sadness watching something I once loved deliberately lose its soul.
@robpike Ever since I started university I knew that I felt differently about software than many of my peers. I had been programming since I was 13, first in Z80 machine code on a TRS-80 Model 1. Some of my classmates in computer science had never written a program before college! I have always known I wanted to build apps and systems when others pursued data processing, IT, devops, cloud, etc.
cont./
@robpike
Throughout my career I have worked with a diversity of developers who have often had radically different perspectives about their profession, what it means and what it is for. I felt this was good thing, even when I didn't agree. If anything I want more perspectives, not fewer.
Today, yes, there is indeed a sea change for the profession, but neither the avocation nor I have changed. My tools change, certainly, they always have and always will as long as I do this.
cont./
@robpike Will who builds software and what gets built change? Yes, in ways we can't even imagine. Just like all the past cycles.
I keep thinking about this toot: https://mastodon.social/@jonathanhogg/116091870281045546 and the truth of it continues to make me angry. We have done a very bad job with gatekeeping who can contribute. Expecting every person to write C code with vi in a bash ssh window is extreme, but not far off. The "every person will be be a programmer someday" wish is a good one, but not like this.
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@robpike
Am I happy with the industry, their products or their "vision"? Not remotely. Calling it snake oil and class warfare is generous. A brighter future is possible even if we can only view it in the distance across an enormous chasm that seems impassable.
In the meantime I will celebrate the cringe vibe coded app by someone who never built anything before in the same spirit I hope they enjoy my mediocre cakes and beer. I made them with love, the same as my software. I will share my craft.
rob pike
bondolo