The best software engineers solve problems, not just write code.
They ask:
- What problem are we actually trying to solve?
- Is this the right problem to solve?
- What's the simplest solution that could work?
- What are the trade-offs?
- How will we know if it's working?
Writing code is the implementation detail. Understanding the problem space, considering alternatives, and thinking through implications—that's where the real value lies.
Code is just the tool. Problem-solving is the skill.