Software engineers are not (and should not be) technicians

The blog argues that software engineers should focus on automation rather than predictable, routine tasks, to avoid becoming mere technicians.

  • Predictability vs. Innovation: The author challenges the notion that predictability in software engineering is beneficial, arguing that it often leads to anti-automation and stagnation.
  • Automation Over Routine: A great software engineer should automate repetitive tasks instead of becoming comfortable with them, as predictable work often signals a missed opportunity for automation.
  • Technician vs. Engineer: The blog distinguishes between technicians, who perform routine and predictable tasks, and engineers, who push boundaries and focus on automation.
  • Business Impact: The post highlights the importance of encouraging automation within tech companies to drive greater value and avoid over-hiring for routine tasks.

The full post is available here.