> But sometimes you don't need a doctor to give you a diagnosis. You literally only need a prescription.

I don't think any legit doctors write prescriptions without first making, or verifying, a diagnosis.

Hiring a developer and telling him, "Don't think, just code," seems like a recipe for disaster. People who insist on going about it that way get the software they deserve.

I think there’s a continuum here. I’m sure we’ve all been stuck (or heard of the project) with some guy who thinks he’s an architect (but has been hired as a coder) and can sit at his desk for weeks produce lots of docs, but 0 lines of code. Sometimes that’s good for the project - and sometimes it sinks it.

Sometimes we’re paid to think, and sometimes we’re paid to code. Deciding which activity is more economically viable to the company should probably not be left up to us. That’s what they hire managers for after all...

the problem is that often the doctor knows what to prescribe better than you... :)

Even over the counter pills have the warning: If the simtoms persist for more than 7 days consult your doctor