Technical debt is a tool; all your code is technical debt

My relationship with technical debt has transformed throughout my software development career. In my early days, like many developers, I saw technical debt as an unwelcome guest, something to be avoided at all costs. Yet, as I navigated project after project, the tech debt never really disappeared; I just got better at using it.

One particular quote stuck with me and helped me accept this process. It is by Dormain Drewitz "All code is technical debt; we're paying different interest rates on it. Debt powers the economy and it powers your business. None of this is inherently good or bad. It's a tool." (https://twitter.com/)

Reading this original analogy was a turning point for me. It made me realize that technical debt isn't a flaw; it's an inherent part of the development process. Much like financial debt can be leveraged to grow a business; technical debt can be managed to accelerate development, with the understanding that it will need to be addressed down the line.

The key lies in how we manage this debt. Do we let it spiral out of control, accruing interest in the form of compounding complexity? Or do we use it strategically, taking on debt with a clear repayment plan?

Now, when I look at code, I don't just see potential technical debt; I see decisions, each carrying its own' interest rate.' And much like a savvy financial advisor, a skilled developer will know how to leverage this tool to balance risk and reward.

Let's shift our mindset. Let's not shun technical debt but instead learn to wield it effectively. It's not the presence of debt that defines our work but how we handle it that shapes our journey and the value we deliver.