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Google I/O 2009 - The Myth of the Genius Programmer

Google for Developers · talk · Watch on YouTube

Software practice, open source & careersManagement, leadership & organizations

What it is

Brian Fitzpatrick and Ben Collins-Sussman argue that the 'genius programmer' ideal harms collaboration. They advocate trading ego for growth, sharing work early, and understanding how tools shape social behavior.

Why Hacker News recommends it

HN regulars recommend it as a career-shaping talk on code review, humility and collaborative development.

  • 5 people recommended it
  • 5 different months
  • 3 strong recommendations
  • first 2011, last 2024

What HN commenters said

  1. “I recommend The Myth of The Genius Programmer”

    Talk that changed their view on publishing unpolished code.

    bajsejohannes, 2011-04 · Strong recommendation · in “Your taste is why your work disappoints you.”

  2. “One of the best talks about code reviews and similiar things”

    Top talk on code reviews and collaboration.

    oleksiyp, 2016-10 · Strong recommendation · in “Ask HN: What's your favorite tech talk?”

  3. “Two talks given by Ben Collins-Sussman absolutely changed my career path”

    Talk that shifted a programmer toward professional engineering thinking.

    sethops1, 2024-01 · Strong recommendation · in “FAQ on Leaving Google”

  4. “keep enjoying creating things. A google talk”

    Reassurance that you needn't be a genius programmer.

    coppolaemilio, 2014-09 · Recommendation · in “Ask HN: What do you do when you realize you are not a programmer?”

  5. “Interesting video, that touches the issue”

    Touches on being average and the genius programmer myth.

    maze-le, 2018-02 · Recommendation · in “Ask HN: Is there no place for people, who are average at something?”

Excerpts from Hacker News comments, linked to the originals. Summaries and labels were written by a language model from those comments.

Topics: code review, ego, bus factor, team culture, open source

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