Software developers are familiar with design patterns. The Gang of Four cataloged reusable solutions to recurring problems in object-oriented design. You learn patterns like Strategy, Observer, and Factory not because they are theoretically interesting but because they solve problems you encounter repeatedly. Once you know the pattern, you recognize the problem and reach for a…
Tag: software craftsmanship
The Quiet Builders: A History of Introverts in Engineering and What AI Means for the Future
Throughout human history, there has always been a place where the quiet ones could excel. A domain where deep thinking mattered more than small talk, where careful analysis outweighed charisma, and where the quality of your work spoke louder than the volume of your voice. That place has been engineering. From the mathematicians of ancient…
Specify: The Most Important Skill in AI-Driven Development
If you take one thing from this entire series, let it be this: the quality of AI-generated code is bounded by the quality of your specification. No amount of model capability, prompt engineering tricks, or iteration can overcome a vague specification. The ceiling of what AI can produce for you is set by the clarity…
Code Is for Humans, Not Machines: Why AI Will Not Make Syntax Obsolete
With AI, “everybody is a programmer.” You do not need to learn syntax anymore. Just describe what you want, and the machine will write the code for you. If you have spent any meaningful time in this profession, you are probably laughing right now. Or at least shaking your head. This narrative has become extraordinarily…
The Eternal Promise: A History of Attempts to Eliminate Programmers
When I look back at the history of software, one pattern emerges with remarkable consistency: the promise to simplify software creation, to make it cheaper, and ultimately to eliminate the need for programmers altogether. This is not a new idea. It has been the driving ambition of our industry since the 1960s. And while each…
A Love Letter to CoffeeScript and HAML: When Rails Frontend Development Was Pure Joy
The author reflects on the nostalgia of older coding practices, specifically with Ruby on Rails, CoffeeScript, and HAML. They appreciate the simplicity, conciseness, and readability of these technologies compared to modern alternatives like TypeScript. While acknowledging TypeScript’s superiority in type safety, they express a longing for the elegant developer experience of the past.
Artisanal Coding (職人コーディング): A Manifesto for the Next Era of Software Craftsmanship
Artesanal coding emphasizes the importance of craftsmanship in software development amidst the rise of AI and “vibe coding.” It advocates for intentional, quality-driven coding practices that foster deep understanding and connection to the code. By balancing AI assistance with craftsmanship, developers can preserve their skills and create sustainable, high-quality software.
The AI Detox Movement: Why Engineers Are Taking Back Their Code
In 2025, AI tools transformed coding but led developers to struggle with debugging and understanding their code. This sparked the concept of “AI detox,” a period where developers intentionally stop using AI to regain coding intuition and problem-solving skills. A structured detox can improve comprehension, debugging, and creativity, fostering a healthier relationship with AI.