Comment by rectang

GP is correct that I generally prefer memory managed languages, I just think it’s right to emphasize that this preference is informed by experience. I’ve spent large amounts of my career writing C code, and now when I have a choice I’d prefer Rust for systems projects.

The higher-level point is that Heisenbugs are an emergent phenomenon of complex systems when fundamentals are lacking.

* C systems are lacking because the language is very old and we’ve learned that we need additional infrastructure to avoid memory errors.

* 1980s GM systems were lacking because of a management culture which didn’t value reliability, leading to inevitable issues in e.g. poor grounding and electrical isolation.

It’s my belief that many contemporary tech companies have management cultures similar to 1980s GM, and subsequently waste tremendous resources when troubleshooting complex systems which are not designed to facilitate troubleshooting. That’s why the original article resonates strongly with me.