Looking for Pointers: The C++ Memory Safety Debate

The dialogue around C++ and memory safety has intensified following recent evaluations by authoritative bodies. The White House’s Office of the National Cyber Director issued a compelling call for a pivot toward memory-safe programming languages.

Build One to Throw Away: Embracing Iteration

The principle of “Build One to Throw Away” from Frederick Brooks’ “The Mythical Man-Month” is an important yet often misunderstood approach to software development. This principle highlights the importance of early iteration and learning, even

Dancing on a Knife Edge: Goodhart’s Law in Action

Metrics and measurements are vital tools. They guide decisions, shape strategies, and can provide a clear picture of progress and productivity. However, a fundamental principle, often overlooked, governs the use and impact of these metrics:

Talent Rotation: Stop the Downward Spiral

Some organizations have adopted a policy of frequently rotating staff through different projects. While this approach aims to broaden experience, it's worth taking a closer look at the implications.

Dissecting the Mind of the Optimistic Programmer

Programmers are optimists. For software engineers, optimism is not just a personality trait but a necessary mindset. As Frederick P. Brooks, the renowned computer scientist and software engineer, once said, “The programmer, like the poet,