Automate the Problems Away

The program we build must be automated in any industry project, so we just need to type make or click a button. However, the tools used for compiling source code are generic automation tools; they can be used for a lot more than running compilers. Like many of the topics we’ve discussed, automation is also a productivity multiplier. We should use it well, and the time invested upfront multiplies our effort later.

There’s a famous de-motivational poster that says, “If a pretty poster and a cute saying are all it takes to motivate you, you probably have a very easy job. The kind robots will be doing it soon.” If a robot can do the job we’re doing, then either we should make the robot or someone else will. Thankfully, programming isn’t just typing, and instead includes a lot of creativity and problem-solving. Our value as a programmer is reflected in our thinking, not typing.