Tim Mackinnon, a programmer with a zero productivity score from performance metrics, improves team effectiveness by pairing with teammates. His mentorship fosters growth and creativity, leading to better team outcomes. Rather than individual metrics, the focus should be on team impact and collaboration to measure productivity.

https://dannorth.net/the-worst-programmer/

Software engineers face an identity crisis as AI tools shift their role from builders to overseers, raising questions about their essence and purpose. While coding has defined many as creators, AI's rise is challenging this by automating tasks traditionally tied to engineering, leading to a focus on management-like skills such as clear communication and systems thinking. This transition evokes fear of losing the joys of coding and craftsmanship, as many engineers express concern over code quality and job security. To navigate this, engineers might consider embracing a balance between hands-on coding and orchestrating AI systems, reclaiming their identity through adaptability and a return to comprehensive problem-solving that transcends mere coding. Ultimately, the challenge lies in evolving with AI without losing the core values of engineering.

https://annievella.com/posts/the-software-engineering-identity-crisis/

“Little Book About OS Development” by Erik Helin and Adam Renberg is a practical guide for creating an x86 operating system. It emphasizes hands-on coding with minimal theory, making it ideal for readers with some programming experience. The book includes setup instructions, boot process details, OS kernel initialization, and practical examples throughout, covering topics like user mode, virtual memory, and file systems. It encourages iterative development, provides links for further reading, and uses C as the primary programming language with NASM for assembly. The authors stress the importance of community resources and collaborative development practices.

https://littleosbook.github.io/