Re:Karpathy on Programming
by lazystar on Monday December 29, 2025 @03:48PM
(#46425446)
Delving a bit deeper... I've been wondering if the problem's related to the rise in H1B workers and contractors. These programmers have an extra incentive to avoid pushing back on c-suite/skip level decisions - staying out of in-office politics reduces the risk of deportation. I think companies with a higher % of engineers working with that incentive have a higher risk of losing market share in the long-term.
[ Parent
| on HN ]
Re:Karpathy on Programming
by doug_durham on Monday December 29, 2025 @06:13PM
(#46427206)
I’ll answer that with a simple “No”. My H1B colleges are every bit as rigorous and innovative as any engineer. It is in no one’s long term interest to generate shoddy code.
I'm not stating the code is shoddy - I agree the quality's fine. I'm referring to the IC engineer's role in pushing back against unrealistic demands/design decisions that are passed down by the PM's and c-suite teams. Doing this can increase internal tension, but it makes the product and customer experience better in the long run. In my career, I've felt safe pushing back because I don't have to worry about moving if my pushback is poorly received.