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The world is full of mediocre programmers, and in each cluster of mediocre programmers you'll find that they're surrounding much better programmers.

Ergo, since mediocre programmers exist, agile isn't a sham, and is necessary. QED



Even for really talented developers - imo just because they are talented (they can code and can solve problems) doesn't mean they can play well within a team - especially in a team without any processes to guide them through.

I personally find the author's view on processes to be very naive - and a bit offensive, it's almost like saying if you employ processes, then you are stupid.

EDIT:

My thoughts in a separate entry: http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=3765693


The notion that some 'good,' 'quality,' or 'talented' programmer is somehow entirely autonomous is entirely a fallacy. I'd trust a team of 'mediocre' programmers that follow process and get it done than place blind trust in a couple cowboys or post-docs who have some claim to genius in a prior life.

Sure, some are better than others. But to those who somehow believe that Great Programmers can do anything, get over yourselves. They (read: you) probably aren't nearly as good as you think.


So aggressive! I'll be the first to proudly proclaim that I know practically nothing, and am a terrible programmer. But I'm not mediocre. Mediocrity == doesn't know how to ask questions, decompose problems, troubleshoot or research. Calm down bud.




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