Link Dump #224

One article, two articles, three... and it's Friday so how about one more?

1. Software Architecture
   1. The Anthropology of Legacy Systems
      Every codebase is a historical record. This article treats legacy systems like archaeological strata, revealing how we transitioned from memory-saving Perl scripts in the 90s to the religious devotion to design patterns in the 2000s. Learn to read the 'geological layers' of your code to understand the pressures and priorities of the developers who came before you.
   2. There are no silver bullets - GenAI included
      While simple narratives are easier to sell, they often ignore the nuance and context required for real-world success. Learn why acknowledging a tool's limitations is actually a sign of deep expertise, not a lack of vision.
   3. Reimagining LinkedIn’s search tech stack
      This technical deep dive explores the high-level components of LinkedIn's AI-powered stack. Discover how they manage the 'auction layer' to balance user engagement with business metrics, ensuring every search provides a path to a real professional opportunity.
2. Software Development
   1. HTTP Is the New MCP #PickOfTheWeek
      Every time the industry invents a 'universal protocol,' we get fragmentation and high implementation costs. This post challenges the hype around new agent-to-service handshakes, proposing that HTTP - with its mature security and global addressing - is already the perfect home for agents.
3. Code Quality
   1. Legacy modernization in the age of AI
      Learn how Thoughtworks used AI to modernize a custom-built app in six weeks vs. an estimate of six months.
4. Agile
   1. Stop Picking Sides #PickOfTheWeek
      Jim Highsmith argues that the decades-long battle between 'Agile' and 'Traditional' development is a false dichotomy that misses the point. The real challenge isn't choosing a tribe; it's managing the tension between adaptation (learning under uncertainty) and optimization (reliability under constraints).
5. Leadership
   1. The Best Leaders Are Great Followers
      This article explores the radical idea that leadership and followership are a fluid, co-created process rather than a fixed hierarchy. Discover the five core 'followership' capabilities that separate ego-driven managers from the impactful leaders.
   2. Information, Understanding and Action #PickOfTheWeek
      How do you know which team members you can truly count on? This article suggests a practical experiment: give volunteers a small, real-world project to test their execution skills. It’s a lesson in finding a person’s 'failure point' allowing you to coach them exactly where they need it most.
6. Growth
   1. Why Soft Skills Outlast Technical Skills on Product Development Teams #PickOfTheWeek
      Discover why soft skills are actually 'risk reducers' that help teams navigate evolving requirements and stakeholder trust. It’s a reminder that when the pressure is on, a team’s ability to have hard conversations matters more than their coding speed.