Are software developers engineers or craftsmen? That's the big debate tackled in this episode of The Engineering Room Podcast! Hosts Dave Farley and James Lewis dive into the philosophical and practical sides of software development, exploring whether coding is a rigorous engineering discipline or a creative craft. Farley argues that real engineering principles—like testing, repeatability, and continuous improvement—should be at the core of software development, while others see it as more of an artisanal skill, requiring intuition and creative problem-solving. So, is writing software more like building bridges or like crafting fine furniture? Let’s break it down.

🔑 Key Points:

• Engineering vs. Craftsmanship: The debate centers on whether software development is a structured engineering discipline or an intuitive craft.
• Dave Farley’s View: He believes true software engineering involves systematic principles like testing, automation, and continuous improvement.
• James Lewis’ Perspective: He acknowledges the craftsmanship side, suggesting that experience and intuition play a major role in writing good code.
• The Influence of Continuous Delivery: Modern software development practices, like DevOps and automation, lean towards structured engineering processes.
• A Real-World Analogy: "You wouldn't want a bridge built by craftsmen alone—you’d want engineers applying rigorous principles."
• Key Takeaway: Software development likely exists somewhere in between—requiring both rigid engineering discipline and the adaptability of craftsmanship.

At the end of the day, whether you call yourself a software engineer or a software craftsman, the goal remains the same: building reliable, maintainable, and scalable software. What do you think? Engineer, craftsman, or both? 🤔

🎧 Listen to the Full Episode Here:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2LXVjZPxibkMLV2E0Mhae5?si=0f51bde2a6fa49c1
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/43s2e0h

🙌 Sponsored by Equal Experts – A global software consultancy focusing on Continuous Delivery and modern engineering practices. Find out more: https://bit.ly/3ASy8n0
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