Attention, Spoiled Software Engineers: Lessons from Google’s Go Language

In the fast-evolving world of programming, we often find ourselves caught up in the glamour of our crafts—titles like Creative Technologist and Digital Artisan adorn our resumes, shaping our identities in a community that thrives on innovation and creativity. However, a revelation struck me recently: perhaps we need to look back and learn from programming languages designed with humility and practicality in mind. Enter Go, developed by Google—a programming language that stands out, not just for its robust features, but for the ethos behind its creation.

Go: A language born out of necessity.

A Rejection of Ego

As I reflect on the contemporary software engineering landscape, I often see an alarming trend. Many programmers define themselves as ‘creatives’, drawing comparisons to artists and designers. We brandish our skills on personal websites that resemble modern art installations—complete with intricate animations and coded Easter eggs that may confuse rather than captivate. And here I am, a proud member of this cohort, albeit one with a more pedestrian approach to naming my projects like ‘Nabokov’—an homage to the great author, albeit perhaps a misguided one. The reality is that this fixation on aesthetics and identity can sometimes cloud our judgment as developers.

Go, introduced to us in 2009, is a striking counterexample, born when programming was transitioning from a niche profession to a crucial component of global commerce. Its creators, including the legendary Ken Thompson and Rob Pike, had a vision not fueled by egos but by practicality. Their mission was clear: to streamline and modernize the programming process in an increasingly cloud-centric world. In an age where programming languages were being bogged down by complexities, the efficiency and user-friendliness of Go quickly drew attention, akin to watching cinematic giants reunite to create a masterpiece.

A New Era of Programming

Go’s design principles echo a sense of nostalgia—akin to a return to neoclassicism in art—prioritizing versatility over flashy embellishments. Rather than being the best at one thing, Go strives to deliver consistent performance across various applications. It cleverly blends features from older languages with a modern sensibility that caters to our current tech landscape. As a developer who has transitioned projects from Python to Go, the difference felt like moving from a wheezing old sedan to a racing bike. Tasks that once lumbered through the muddy waters of inefficiency suddenly soared with newfound speed.

Yet, despite its strengths, Go isn’t without its criticisms. Code readability is often debated, and many programmers find the language’s rigidity—much like adhering to strict grammar rules in writing—challenging. Structured error handling? One might feel like they’re stuck in a programming version of a word processor that demands perfection before allowing progress.

The challenges faced in coding go beyond simple syntax.

The Modern Programmer’s Dilemma

But these criticisms beg the question: have we, as a generation, become spoiled? Our expectations for programming tools are naturally high, and the nuances of Go can appear like a setback amidst increasingly user-friendly alternatives like Python or Ruby. However, I believe it reflects a broader problem—our tendency to overlook the fundamentals in pursuit of convenience. If the pioneers of the automobile had introduced models that lacked basic functionality for the sake of luxury, we might still be waiting for reliable transportation.

In understanding Go’s late style—a term borrowed from cultural critiques—a sense of balance emerges. Founders not seeking to impress us with dazzling new features, but instead focusing on providing an enduring solution to the programming needs of today has a calming effect. Their demeanor echoes a path we might adopt: recognizing the value of simplicity amid our rushed digital lives.

As we witness the rise of tumultuous figures in the tech world engaging in public squabbles, it stands in stark contrast to how the Go team maintains a calm presence. Their FAQ page, a testament to their mastery and humility, guides newcomers through understanding Go—lingering on reassurance rather than competition.

Finding Closure in the Chaos

For the future, perhaps there’s hope for us to adopt a more Go-like approach. By slowly shedding our egos and focusing not only on the shiny aspects of programming but also the core principles of craftsmanship, we stand to gain immensely. The journey to transformation is long, but the seeds of wisdom left by Go might serve as a guiding light.

Nothing feels quite as rewarding as diving deep into a programming project, free from the weight of self-importance and instead grounded in the thrill of productivity. The takeaways from Go aren’t merely about adopting another language; they involve embracing a philosophy that prioritizes impact over image. As my generation navigates the complex waters of our professions, let’s take a page from Go’s book—strive for practicality, foster community, and ultimately, find that balance we so desperately need.