chrisn-585491 (9/25/2013)
Like Steve and Simon I have developed systems that ran for decades without revision and without error other then data or other operational errors. That does not mean that I am an ace programmer, only that every once in a while we got it right, and it stayed right.
I too have developed code that works for years without modification. But I'm not going to project those small successes to all my code or all the possible code.
Well said Chris.
The only thing I would add is that some of those that last for years are not small. But still I would never say that longevity of one or more systems is proof of exceptional skill. Each piece of work stands on its own merit and stands only as long as it continues to support the business it was intended or otherwise used for. To be honest, I have been pleased that some of the things I have dreamed up and made functional have worked at all let alone been proven in the test of time.
Not all gray hairs are Dinosaurs!