Distributed. Dave Farley on remote work, AI, and the future of software engineering
11 snips
Feb 20, 2025 
Dave Farley, a pioneering software engineer and author renowned for his expertise in continuous delivery, delves into the crucial role of human connection in software development. He champions pair programming as a key practice for boosting productivity and code quality. Farley discusses the trade-offs of remote work, emphasizing the importance of building and maintaining trust among distributed teams. He also explores AI's evolving impact on software engineering, warning against neglecting teamwork in the face of technological advancements.
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Dave Farley's Career Journey
- Dave Farley's software journey began with early home computers, sparked by his wife's father bringing one home.
- His career culminated in building high-performance financial exchanges and trading algorithms, later shifting to consulting and writing.
First Distributed Project
- Farley's first large-scale distributed project was at ThoughtWorks in 2003, building a point-of-sale system for a major UK retailer.
- The project involved 200 developers across multiple countries and time zones, presenting technical and human connection challenges.
Human Connection in Software Development
- Building trust and human connection is crucial for productive remote work, outweighing technical challenges.
- Software development is a creative process that thrives on strong team relationships, not just technical prowess.
