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Software Development: Quick, Average Code and Frequent Job Changes Prevail

Challenges and career strategies in professional software development

From Hacker News Original Article Hacker News Discussion

A software developer reflects on the challenges of maintaining quality code in professional environments where rapid delivery and frequent job changes are prioritized over craftsmanship and long-term maintainability.

Why it matters: Short tenures and pressure for quick releases discourage writing maintainable, well-tested software, harming long-term project health.

The big picture: The divide grows between "craftsman" developers who value quality and "vibe coding" trends that emphasize speed and disposable code.

The stakes: Unmaintainable codebases accumulate technical debt, often leaving long-term employees to manage costly failures without sufficient resources.

Commenters say: Many resonate with the frustration, noting startups often demand speed over quality, while some highlight that corporate roles can support craftsmanship.