Pure and Impure Software Engineering
3 days ago
- #tech-companies
- #software-engineering
- #pure-vs-impure
- The article distinguishes between pure and impure software engineering.
- Pure engineering focuses on solving technical problems perfectly, often seen in open-source projects.
- Impure engineering aims to solve real-world problems efficiently, common in paid tech company work.
- Pure engineering is likened to art or research, driven by aesthetic and open-ended exploration.
- Impure engineering is compared to plumbing or construction, prioritizing practicality and deadlines.
- The 2020s have seen a decline in pure engineering roles at large tech companies due to financial pressures.
- Tech companies need both types of engineers but rely more heavily on impure engineering for business needs.
- Pure engineers often struggle with impure tasks like compromising and meeting deadlines.
- Impure engineers may settle for hacky solutions and lack deep technical expertise for pure tasks.
- The article highlights clashes between pure and impure engineers, citing examples like Casey Muratori and George Hotz.
- Impure engineering is highly paid due to the complexity of navigating business and technical constraints.
- AI-assisted development is more beneficial for impure engineering, where problems are less novel and deadlines tighter.
- The article defends the value and difficulty of both pure and impure engineering.