The Emergence of Software Mechanics in a Post-Transition Economy

Summary

The article explores the emergence of the 'Software Mechanic' profession in a post-transition economy, drawing parallels to historical technological shifts like containerization, electrification, and the printing press. It follows Tom Hartmann, who unexpectedly becomes a Software Mechanic - a role that didn't exist seven years prior. The piece examines how technological revolutions create new professions that people don't plan for, with the first practitioners typically coming from other backgrounds, similar to how the first blacksmiths didn't grow up dreaming of blacksmithery but were people skilled at hitting things.