The Full-Stack Master Myth: Why Deep Tech Needs a Pipeline Fix

Mastering the entire software stack is incredibly difficult, not just technically, but also because of a severe talent shortage. Many low-level open-source communities are facing an aging contributor base, with few young engineers entering the field. This is partly due to the lack of appeal of systems-level work compared to trendy AI applications. The article explores the contributing factors, including insufficient education, the undervaluing of foundational technologies, and the industry's failure to adequately cultivate talent. The author's company is actively addressing this by collaborating with universities, participating in open-source projects, and lowering the barrier to contribution. They call for a collective industry effort to nurture talent and ensure the continued development of sophisticated software systems.