Engineering video
1:00 · 10 August 2023
The speaker explains: distinguishes between irreversible Type One decisions, such as database structure or transitioning to an engineering manager, and reversible Type Two decisions, such as choosing data-fetching libraries or JavaScript frameworks.
Hear it at 0:02 →senior developer mental model three out of 10. Type one versus type two decisions or one way or two way door decisions. This principle was identified first by Jeff Bezos, who realized any decision can be classified into two categories. Type one decisions, which are irreversible, so take your time making them. And type two decisions, which can easily be undone, so don't overthink them. For example, choosing between an SQL and a non SQL database, it's more of a type one decision because once your data is structured in a certain way, it will be a nightmare to migrate back.
But choosing between using Axios or fetch to fetch your data in in a React app, it's more of a type two decision. You can always switch back and you can do it gradually. Same with your career. The JavaScript framework you specialize in, it's mostly a type two decision. You can always switch back. But choosing between staying as an individual contributor or becoming an engineering manager, it's usually a type one decision.
As it won't be easy to keep your technical edge. So keep in mind this model the next time you make such a decision.
