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World Congress 2026 Europe - Virtual Stage • Jul 2, 2026 • Session details

What craftsmanship is all about

Marco Achtziger

Generative AI accelerates experts but drowns novices in automated technical debt. Discover why foundational software craftsmanship is the only way to build a truly resilient engineering culture.

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#1 about 4 min

Large-scale software development at Siemens Healthineers

Maintaining a million-line medical imaging platform over decades requires robust testing and trunk-based development.

#2 about 5 min

Defining true craftsmanship in software engineering

Craftsmanship means building high-quality, maintainable code even in areas hidden from end users.

#3 about 5 min

Software craftsmanship manifesto and clean code principles

Professionalism dictates that functioning code is merely the bare minimum, prioritizing quality over speed under pressure.

#4 about 2 min

Distinguishing software engineering from standard programming

Engineering involves considering code maintainability and team impact across the software's entire lifespan.

#5 about 8 min

Evaluating the impact of generative AI on productivity

Generative AI tools amplify developer skills, offering significant speedups to senior engineers while hindering novices.

#6 about 6 min

Driving motivation through autonomy, mastery, and purpose

Fostering accountability requires replacing purely financial rewards with intrinsic motivators and clear organizational alignment.

#7 about 4 min

Adopting software testing improvement frameworks from Google

Borrowing successful certification frameworks drives cultural change and reduces reliance on long stabilization phases.

#8 about 6 min

Structuring a voluntary test craftsmanship certification program

A level-based, voluntary participation framework enables teams to improve their engineering practices at their own pace.

#9 about 3 min

Transitioning from rigid levels to flexible expertise areas

Adapting improvement programs to rapid industry changes involves replacing strict levels with dynamic skill points.

#10 about 4 min

Measuring the impact of long-term software craftsmanship initiatives

Continuous investment in developer skillsets significantly reduces flaky tests and stabilizes defect inflow rates.

#11 about 2 min

Cultivating sustainable engineering culture through long-term initiatives

True craftsmanship is fostered organically over time by aligning cultural programs with broader engineering goals.

Matching moments

2:44 min

Investing in engineering craftsmanship to maintain a competitive edge

Laura Thorson Laura Thorson · World Congress 2026 Europe

1:35 min

Maintaining software craftsmanship alongside AI assistance

Christian Heilmann Christian Heilmann · World Congress 2026 Europe

2:45 min

The role of craftsmanship and technical taste in engineering

Laura Thorson Laura Thorson · World Congress 2026 Europe

5:22 min

Differentiating developer skills in the era of artificial intelligence

Chris Heilmann Chris Heilmann +2 · LIVE

3:26 min

Embracing ambition to build uniquely beautiful software with AI

Brian Lovin Brian Lovin · World Congress 2026 Europe

3:43 min

Understanding software development as a deeply human activity

Richard Bown · World Congress 2023

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