A former Uber distinguished engineer says all engineers should be writing code regularly — no matter their rank

In the tech world, the role of a software engineer extends beyond mere coding; it encompasses planning, designing, and often leading teams. Joakim Recht, a former distinguished engineer at Uber, emphasizes that all engineers, regardless of their position, should actively engage in coding. During a recent appearance on 'The Peterman Pod,' Recht insisted, "A software engineer needs to write code," a sentiment he finds surprisingly controversial. Recht, who dedicated nearly nine years at Uber advancing from a senior software engineer to a distinguished engineer, believes this coding practice should apply uniformly across all levels of engineering. He pointed out that as engineers climb the professional ladder, their involvement in hands-on coding tends to diminish. For instance, Carlos Arguelles from Amazon reflected on his experience as a principal engineer, where he found himself leading without writing code, relying instead on his deep knowledge of the codebase. The rise of AI tools that simplify coding tasks could exacerbate this trend, as software engineers might spend an increasing amount of time managing these tools rather than writing actual code. In his correspondence with Business Insider, Recht stressed the importance of senior engineers maintaining their coding skills, whether through traditional means or AI-assisted methods. He warned, "If senior engineers disconnect from coding, we risk losing valuable insights gained from building robust software at scale." Recht also asserted that regular coding helps leaders stay connected with their teams. He stated, "If you're not writing code, you lose touch with the system. The system evolves, and you forget how it works." This disconnect could hinder their ability to design effectively for the future. Notable figures in tech, including Klarna CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski and Google co-founder Sergey Brin, are adopting similar practices, engaging in coding to stay relevant in a rapidly changing landscape. Furthermore, Andrew Ng, founder of Google Brain, highlighted that coding can enhance productivity across the board, suggesting that even non-technical roles—like CEOs, marketers, and recruiters—can benefit from coding knowledge. Recht concluded by stating that a consistent practice of coding is crucial for enhancing overall performance in any engineering role, underscoring the interconnectedness of coding skills and effective leadership.