Section 1.1: The Self-Inflicted Traps

Developers often create their own traps, only to be caught off guard when they fall into them. When I hear the phrase "it's a trap," I can't help but think of Admiral Ackbar from Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. In the software creation process, having a mini Admiral Ackbar on your shoulder could prevent you from stumbling into these traps.

The traps that are easiest to fall into are often those we set for ourselves, such as underestimating tasks, overcommitting, speaking when silence would be wiser, coding unnecessarily, or writing incorrect code.

If all developers embodied the spirit of Admiral Ackbar, the software development landscape would be populated with vigilant team members, always alert to the dangers of invisible barriers.

Section 1.2: The Wisdom of Admiral Ackbar

Admiral Ackbar is best known for his iconic warning, "It's a trap!" This is precisely the kind of mindset that every development team could benefit from—provided he doesn't declare everything a trap, which could become tiresome.

Ackbar has become a beloved figure on the internet, generating countless memes despite having only a handful of lines in the film. In the context of the Rebel Alliance, they faced overwhelming odds, with their limited fleet preparing to attack the massive Death Star, believing its defenses would be down.

When preparing for such a significant operation, one might ponder career alternatives, especially when uncertainties abound. Just before the attack, Lando poses critical questions regarding the status of the Death Star's shield:

"We’ve got to get some kind of reading on that shield, up or down. How could they be jamming us if they don’t know we’re coming?" — Lando

In your project meetings, some developers will voice concerns about unclear requirements or question unrealistic timelines.

A critical moment arises when Lando warns, "Break off the attack! The shield is still up!" At this point, the leadership finally heeds his advice, akin to a well-coordinated retreat from disaster.

Section 2.1: The Consequences of Ignoring Risks

As developers, we must remain vigilant against various traps that can disrupt our progress. Common pitfalls include:

• Underestimating the complexity of development tasks
• Creating unnecessary code instead of adjusting business processes
• Agreeing to attend superfluous meetings
• Remaining silent about overly optimistic projections
• Neglecting to prepare for unforeseen issues
• Ignoring critical requirements and access needs

As Charlie Munger wisely noted, avoiding stupidity often yields greater long-term benefits than striving for brilliance.

Section 2.2: Developing an Ackbar Mentality

Since you won't have Admiral Ackbar on your project team, it's crucial to adopt his perspective. When discussing requirements or planning, ask yourself:

• Where might the traps lie?
• How could this lead to complications?
• If things go awry, what could cause the issues?

Always be on the lookout for traps that disguise themselves as sound strategies.

Subsection 2.2.1: Preparing for the Unexpected

When deploying software, consider potential failures. What would you do if a service or process malfunctioned? Identifying possible future issues can help mitigate risks before they escalate.

Although it is impossible to prevent all problems and bugs, being prepared can significantly reduce their impact.

Section 2.3: The Reality of Software Development

Software development can be deceptive; it can lull you into a false sense of security while concealing potential pitfalls. Past experiences are not a safeguard against unforeseen challenges.

This is akin to what I term the "Turkey Developers and the Christmas Day Problem." Just because a method has worked in the past doesn't guarantee success in the future, especially if critical safeguards, like source control, are neglected.