We built this city... The geographies of software development - Naomi Gotts

Naomi Gotts

Discover how software development can learn from urban planning and development, exploring the complex systems, interacting elements, and unique quirky aspects that shape the quality of life in a code base.

Key takeaways
  • We can learn from urban planning and development when it comes to determining the quality of life in a code base.
  • Cities are complex systems with many interacting elements, and software development is similar.
  • Code bases are like cities, with different areas and aspects that contribute to their overall quality.
  • Just as cities have their own unique character, code bases have their own personality and quirks.
  • The evolution of a code base is like the evolution of a city, with different eras and styles influencing its development.
  • Urban planners and developers must balance competing demands and constraints when designing a city or code base.
  • The quality of life in a code base is subjective and dependent on many factors, just like in a city.
  • We can use geographic concepts and tools to analyze and improve the quality of life in a code base.
  • The interactions between different elements in a code base are crucial to its overall quality and livability.
  • Just as cities have their own unique challenges and opportunities, code bases have their own challenges and opportunities for improvement.
  • The relationship between the code and the people who work with it is like the relationship between the city and its inhabitants.
  • We can learn from the way cities are designed and developed to improve the quality of life in our code bases.
  • The evolution of a code base is like the evolution of a city, with different eras and styles influencing its development.
  • Urban planners and developers must balance competing demands and constraints when designing a city or code base.
  • The quality of life in a code base is subjective and dependent on many factors, just like in a city.
  • We can use geographic concepts and tools to analyze and improve the quality of life in a code base.
  • The interactions between different elements in a code base are crucial to its overall quality and livability.
  • Just as cities have their own unique challenges and opportunities, code bases have their own challenges and opportunities for improvement.
  • The relationship between the code and the people who work with it is like the relationship between the city and its inhabitants.
  • We can learn from the way cities are designed and developed to improve the quality of life in our code bases.