If you thought the code writing speed was your problem; you have bigger problems
5 hours ago
- #Bottlenecks
- #Software Development
- #Productivity
- The VP of Engineering announces AI coding assistants to increase code output by 40%, but the real issue is not writing code faster but identifying the actual bottlenecks in the system.
- Eli Goldratt's Theory of Constraints explains that optimizing a non-bottleneck step doesn't speed up the system but creates more problems, like increased inventory and lead time.
- AI-generated code leads to more PRs but overwhelms review queues, causing delays, rubber-stamped approvals, and decreased code quality.
- The real bottlenecks include unclear requirements, long wait times post-code completion, fear of deploying, lack of post-shipment feedback, and coordination issues.
- Solutions involve mapping the value stream, measuring cycle time, reducing wait states, limiting work in progress, and listening to developers' insights about bottlenecks.