Merge Commits Dead Code: Fear-driven Everything
Oct 8, 2025
Justin Searls, co-founder of Test Double and a soul-searching solo podcaster, dives into the evolution of programming and developer workflows. He explores why the agile movement faltered and how we can reclaim its essence amid the rise of coding agents. Justin emphasizes the importance of workflow sequencing over static artifacts, advocating for Test-Driven Development as a tool for guiding decisions. He champions prioritizing risk to tackle uncertainty while fostering psychological momentum to keep developers motivated and productive.
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Code Is Defined By Workflow
- Code is meaningful only in its execution and the workflow that produces it matters more than static architecture talk.
- Justin urges focusing on the order and tempo of thoughts and actions while coding to shape outcomes.
TDD As A Decision Engine
- Test-driven development's power is procedural: tests guide your next action rather than just verifying code.
- The breakthrough is using tests as immediate decision drivers, not merely as artifacts.
Own Product Decisions While Coding
- Own product context and decisions as a developer instead of outsourcing them to product-only roles.
- Be accountable for mapping problems to product and making small, local decisions during development.
