Never Rewrite

Never Rewrite is going analog! Out of 2000 minutes over the last two years we think we've got plenty of content to coalesce it into a book. If you have a rewrite story to share, now's your chance to get forever immortalized in the podcast hosted by two randos.

Jeffrey and Isaac explore the motivations and expectations surrounding software rewrites from various stakeholders, including developers, IT leadership, product groups, marketing, finance, support, and customers. They discuss the perceived benefits and the reality of rewrites, emphasizing that while many believe rewrites will lead to improved reliability and a better work environment, the truth is that rewrites often fail to deliver on these promises.

Isaac and Jeffrey discuss the complexities of managing work priorities in a constantly changing environment. They explore the challenges of putting work down when priorities shift, emphasizing the importance of iterative development and smaller work increments to minimize risk and maintain productivity. The discussion also touches on the balance between delivering features and building trust with users, particularly in the context of product releases that may impact customer satisfaction.

We're joined today by Dustin Rea to discuss frameworks for prioritizing technical debt in software development. We explore the 'Jobs to Be Done' framework, emphasizing the importance of aligning engineering and product teams on customer needs. The conversation covers strategies for managing tech debt effectively, the significance of team dynamics, and the role of technical leadership in guiding prioritization efforts.

Isaac Askew and Jeffrey Sherman discuss the implications of externalizing costs in software development, particularly the consequences of pushing pain to users. They explore the differences between internal and external software, the importance of customer experience, and the cost of support when users face difficulties. The discussion highlights the ethical considerations of prioritizing features over user satisfaction and the long-term impact on both customers and developers.

Isaac Askew and Jeffrey Sherman explore the dynamics between two types of developers: the 'hero' who swoops in to solve problems and the 'lifeguard' who encourages self-sufficiency. They discuss the tension that arises from these differing approaches and how to navigate conflicts between them. The conversation emphasizes the importance of balance in mentoring and the need for developers to understand when to guide and when to let others learn through experience.

Isaac Askew and Jeffrey Sherman discuss the disastrous app rewrite by Sonos, exploring the technical debt, decision-making processes, and the consequences of the rewrite. They emphasize the importance of incremental updates over big bang releases and reflect on the lessons learned from this case. Show notes: https://www.wsj.com/tech/sonos-speakers-app-ceo-24250f2c https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-happened-sonos-app-technical-analysis-andy-pennell-wigwc/

Erik Enge, COO of Ghost, discusses the principles of creating a culture of continuous improvement within organizations. He emphasizes the importance of applying the scientific method in business, setting measurable goals, and maintaining a learning loop to reflect on outcomes. The discussion also covers the significance of collaboration within teams, the risks associated with rewriting code, and the necessity of keeping context in software development. Real-world examples illustrate how these principles can lead to better decision-making and improved outcomes. https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikenge/ https://ghost.org/

In this conversation, Isaac and Jeffrey discuss the advancements of AI in coding, reflecting on its potential to replace junior developers and the evolving role of developers in the tech industry. They explore the implications of AI tools on productivity, the necessity for developers to adapt their skills, and the future landscape of software development as AI continues to improve.

Isaac and Jeffrey discuss the importance of reassessing the necessity of meetings, especially at the beginning of the year. They emphasize the need to cancel unnecessary meetings, optimize meeting structures, and empower team members to decline meetings that do not require their input. The conversation highlights the significance of effective communication and time management in the workplace.