This article critiques the common management focus on AI coding assistants to increase code output velocity, arguing that faster coding isn't the real bottleneck in software delivery. It references Eli Goldratt's 'The Goal' to explain how optimizing non-bottleneck activities actually worsens overall system performance. The piece challenges engineering leaders to focus on meaningful outcomes rather than superficial productivity metrics.
Background
Many organizations are adopting AI coding assistants like GitHub Copilot with promises of increased developer productivity, often measured by lines of code output. This reflects a broader trend of tech leadership focusing on quantitative metrics over qualitative outcomes.
- Source
- Lobsters
- Published
- Apr 5, 2026 at 11:47 AM
- Score
- 6.0 / 10