SMRTR ProgrammingJan 25, 2026lobste.rs

How I estimate work as a staff software engineer

SMRTR summary

Software project estimation is fundamentally impossible because engineering work consists mainly of unknown problems that can't be predicted in advance. Despite this, estimates serve as political tools for management to make funding decisions. Engineers should approach estimation by gathering political context first, then determining what technical approaches could fit within the desired timeline rather than trying to predict how long work will take.

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