Writing Code Is Easy. Reading It Isn't

Building a mental model of code is harder than writing it. Programmers must trace function relationships, examine dependencies, and understand side effects before making changes—akin to navigating a new city. While LLMs simplify code generation, they don't address the true bottleneck: understanding. Reading code involves jumping between files, deciphering intentions, and constructing a mental map, which is why developers often prefer rewriting code. The industry should prioritize tools that accelerate understanding, as this remains programming's most significant challenge.