You’ve probably heard the term “10x software engineer” thrown around—this mythical creature who is supposedly ten times more productive than their peers, able to churn out code faster, solve problems quicker, and deliver results with superhuman efficiency. Companies drool over the idea of finding a “10x engineer,” the one developer who can carry an entire team on their back. But here’s the reality: the idealization of a 10x engineer as the end goal is a myth.
Being a great engineer isn’t about raw output or cranking out ten times the amount of code. It’s about solving problems in the most effective way possible, making smart decisions, and guiding others with well-informed recommendations. The engineers who make the biggest impact aren’t the ones who write the most code—they’re the ones who can navigate complexity, communicate clearly, and steer projects in the right direction. If you can talk the talk and walk the walk, you’re the real 10x software engineer. You’re worth your weight in gold.
Engineering is, at its core, problem-solving. It’s not just about knowing the latest JavaScript framework or the newest cloud service. It’s about understanding the problem, evaluating the available tools, and applying them effectively. With the sheer number of tools and technologies available today, the ability to sift through the noise and choose the right one is what separates the good engineers from the great ones.
Forget the “10x software engineer” nonsense. The real 10x skill is versatility—being able to move between different technologies and domains with ease. It’s about having a deep understanding of core principles and applying them across various scenarios. And here’s the kicker: you don’t need to know every tool. You just need to know enough to make informed decisions and solve problems efficiently.
Let’s get specific:
React is the go-to for most developers, but Svelte might be the better choice for projects where performance and simplicity are key. My recommendation? Stick with React if you’re building something that requires a robust ecosystem and community support. But don’t sleep on Svelte if you need something lightweight and performant.
Node.js is great for asynchronous, real-time applications, while .NET Core shines in enterprise environments with heavy computational tasks. If you’re working on a web API that needs to scale quickly, Node.js is a solid choice. But if you’re dealing with enterprise-level data processing, .NET Core might be the better fit. My recommendation? Use Node.js for quick, scalable web services and .NET Core when you need to integrate deeply with Microsoft ecosystems. And PLEASE use TypeScript.
Both AWS and Azure offer a wide range of services, but they excel in different areas. AWS is known for its breadth and maturity, making it a great choice for startups and companies looking for a wide range of tools. Azure, on the other hand, integrates seamlessly with Microsoft products, making it ideal for enterprises. My recommendation? Choose AWS if you’re building something from scratch and need a variety of tools. Opt for Azure if you’re in a Microsoft-centric environment.
OAuth2 is powerful for complex, multi-user environments, while JWT is great for simple, stateless authentication. If you’re building a multi-tenant SaaS platform, OAuth2 is the way to go. For simpler applications with a need for secure, stateless authentication, JWT gets the job done. My recommendation? Use OAuth2 for complex, enterprise-grade applications and JWT for leaner, straightforward authentication needs.
Let’s be clear: The idea of a 10x software engineer is a myth. It’s not about output—it’s about making smart decisions. The best engineers aren’t just cranking out code; they’re making strategic choices that drive the project forward. And the most critical of these choices? Making solid recommendations.
Here’s one truth: Making a recommendation is one of the most valuable things you can do as an engineer. When you suggest a solution, you’re not just offering an opinion—you’re providing a roadmap. If you can make strong, well-informed recommendations and back them up with confidence, you become indispensable. You’re not just an engineer; you’re a strategist.
Here’s a harder truth: The people who call the shots often don’t know what they’re talking about. They’re not the ones deep in the code, dealing with the complexities of the tech stack or understanding the nuances of what needs to be done. It’s important to communicate clearly when what they’re asking for might require more time or resources to do right. A good boss will appreciate your expertise and trust your judgment. If they don’t, it might be worth considering whether you’re in the right environment.
You’re tasked with building a high-performance web application. The client wants something snappy and efficient. Do you default to Node.js/React because it’s popular and Joe Blow at work said we should use it all the time? Do you recommend Svelte because you believe it’s more performant in this use case? Here’s my take: If performance is the #1 priority, we need to think beyond JavaScript metaframe-works and focus on the architecture. First and foremost, we need server-side rendering, and there’s hardly a more performant stack than C# ASP.NET Core with all of its caching capabilities and optimized memory management. If you’re using C# and opting into cloud hosting, you’re looking at Elastic Beanstalk or AWS App Services. Client-side, we want something that is lightweight to reduce bloat. If you can, go with vanilla JavaScript (with TypeScript for development, of course). At each step, the priority is reduction, caching, and minimizing client-server interactions.
You’re dealing with a backend that’s starting to creak under heavy data loads. Do you recommend scaling out with more servers, or do you take the time to refactor and optimize the existing code? My recommendation: This depends on the budget. Scaling out is definitely a quicker fix, especially if you’re hosting in Azure or AWS, but it could burn a hole in your pocket if you’re not careful. Optimizing data caching is the fix, as opposed to a band aid solution like scaling out.
You’re building an authentication system for a consumer-facing app. Do you go all-in on multi-factor authentication (MFA) for maximum security, or do you recommend a simpler, frictionless OAuth2 flow that won’t scare away users? My recommendation: Consider your user base. For a consumer app, prioritize a smooth user experience by implementing a simple OAuth2 flow, with MFA as an optional feature for those who want extra security. This approach minimizes friction, making it easy for users to sign in while still offering additional protection when needed. In contrast, for enterprise apps handling sensitive data, mandatory MFA is essential despite adding complexity, as the higher stakes require robust security measures to protect against unauthorized access.
Here’s the thing, if you can make strong, well-informed recommendations, you’re worth your weight in gold. The best engineers don’t just code—they guide. They look at the bigger picture, make strategic choices, and confidently steer projects in the right direction. That’s the real 10x skill: not writing ten times more code, but making ten times more impactful decisions.
When you’re making those decisions, you need to be ready to answer some key questions that will determine the success of any project. Here are a few you should have answers to if you want to be a formidable opponent in the tech space:
Are you going with the tried and true, or is this a time to experiment with something new? What are the project’s priorities: speed, budget maintenance, reliability, security, or something in between?
AWS, Azure, GCP, on-prem, or somewhere else entirely? What’s the cost, and what’s the support like?
Break down the problem into smaller parts. Identify the risks involved for the task at hand. For example:
Being able to answer these questions confidently—and making sure the people who call the shots understand the implications—sets you apart as an engineer who’s not just competent but invaluable.
The true power of a software engineer lies not in the quantity of their output but in the quality of their decisions. Specialize in solving complex problems, have a passion for what you do, and learn from your losses—those “L’s” are what make you better. Be versatile, be confident, use failure as a learning opportunity, and most importantly, be someone who makes strong, informed recommendations. That’s how you become invaluable in an industry where change is the only constant. You’re not just an engineer—you’re a problem solver, a guide, and a rockstar.
We love to make cool things with cool people. Have a project you’d like to collaborate on? Let’s chat!
Stay up to date on what BizStream is doing and keep in the loop on the latest in marketing & technology.
