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Explore the counterintuitive relationship between productivity demands and creative output in software development through this 26-minute conference talk. Discover why the relentless pursuit of "more work" paradoxically undermines both creativity and code quality, as Holly Cummins from the Quarkus team examines the science behind developer productivity. Learn why traditional metrics like lines of code are harmful and understand how seemingly unproductive activities such as taking walks or showering are actually essential for problem-solving and innovation. Examine the detrimental effects of "do more with less" mentalities and efficiency traps that plague modern development teams. Understand when to apply intense focus versus when recovery periods are crucial for sustained performance. Navigate the decision between management and technical career paths while maintaining technical curiosity and skills. Analyze how AI tools are shifting developers from authors to editors and learn to distinguish between industry trends and timeless software engineering principles. Master techniques for managing cognitive load while rediscovering the fundamental joy in software engineering work.
