The Crowdstrike Issue: A Former Developer's Perspective on the Importance of Clean Code and Best Practices

In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, the recent issue with Crowdstrike has served as a stark reminder of the importance of following best practices in software development. As someone who began my career as a developer in VC++, this incident resonated deeply with me, reminding me of the core principles that guided my early days in coding and product development.

Before I transitioned into business roles, my professional journey started in the trenches of software development. Working with VC++, I relished the process of building products from the ground up. The thrill of seeing a project come to life, line by line, was immensely satisfying. Those early experiences taught me invaluable lessons about the importance of clean, maintainable code and the dangers of taking shortcuts. While its easier to use shortcuts in code especially by using 'Go to' statements or equivalents to jump to a specific part of the code without the requisite logical process being followed, this can backfire when you haven't accounted for all possible inputs which result in that output.

The Crowdstrike Incident: A Case Study in Shortcutting

Last week, the cybersecurity community was rocked by a significant issue at Crowdstrike. Upon investigation, it became clear that the root cause was a series of shortcuts taken during the development phase. These shortcuts, which may have seemed trivial at the time, compounded over the years, ultimately leading to a catastrophic failure. Apparently the issue was caused by the improper use of pointers in C++, which is a fundamental concept in Computer Science. Clearly someone took a shortcut, and that wasn't reviewed and flew under the radar until it was too late.

This incident underscores a fundamental truth I learned as a developer: shortcuts in code are akin to shortcuts in life. They might provide temporary relief or speed up a process, but they often come back to haunt you in the long run. The Crowdstrike issue is a perfect example of how cutting corners can lead to significant, unforeseen consequences.

The Importance of Best Practices

As developers, we are often under pressure to deliver quickly. Deadlines loom, and the temptation to take the easy route can be strong. However, the importance of adhering to best practices cannot be overstated. Writing clean, manageable code is not just about making your current task easier; it's about future-proofing your work. Here are some key takeaways:

1. Code Quality: Ensuring your code is well-documented, modular, and tested thoroughly helps in maintaining it over time. It also makes it easier for others to understand and modify your work.
2. Refactoring: Regularly revisiting and improving your code can prevent technical debt from accumulating. It's like maintaining a machine; regular upkeep prevents major breakdowns.
3. Peer Reviews: Engaging with peers for code reviews can catch issues early and provide different perspectives on solving problems.
4. Continuous Learning: The tech landscape is always changing. Staying updated with the latest best practices and tools is crucial.

A Methodical Approach Over Shortcuts

Reflecting on my journey from coding to business leadership, the principles of a methodical approach have always held true. Whether developing software or strategizing business moves, a methodical, well-thought-out approach always outshines quick fixes. It might take a bit longer initially, but the long-term benefits are undeniable.

The Crowdstrike incident serves as a powerful reminder of this truth. It's a wake-up call for all of us in the tech industry to prioritize quality and integrity in our work. By adhering to best practices and resisting the allure of shortcuts, we can build robust, reliable systems that stand the test of time.

Applying the Same Learning to Business and Marketing

In my current line of marketing consulting work and in prior roles, I often encounter businesses that prioritize short-term marketing goals to achieve immediate sales targets. This approach usually involves overemphasizing performance marketing spends while neglecting long-term brand-building efforts.

This strategy might deliver quick wins and immediate sales boosts, but it's akin to taking shortcuts in code. It overlooks the importance of building a strong, sustainable brand. Just like a poorly coded software can crash unexpectedly, a brand that lacks a solid foundation can falter in the face of market challenges.

Balancing short-term performance marketing with long-term brand-building is crucial. Investing in brand-building efforts—such as storytelling, customer engagement, and consistent messaging—ensures that the brand remains resilient and trustworthy. This methodical approach might take longer to show results, but it builds a loyal customer base and creates lasting value.

Conclusion

The lessons from the Crowdstrike issue are clear: taking shortcuts, whether in coding or business strategy, can lead to significant problems down the line. A methodical, disciplined approach, although sometimes slower, ensures quality, resilience, and long-term success. As developers, marketers, or business leaders, let's commit to following best practices and building solid foundations in all our endeavors.

#CleanCode #BestPractices #SoftwareDevelopment #Crowdstrike #TechLeadership #MethodicalApproach #MarketingStrategy #BrandBuilding