Correct Sequence

My friend Anthony described the business of software in a peculiar way:

“You entered the correct sequence of keys, and it unlocked money.”

I love how it connects the very first action of writing code to the final output: generating money.

Coming up with the idea, doing the marketing, and handling all the other parts of the process notwithstanding, the sentence is accurate.

I love how it points toward the deterministic nature of writing code. The correct sequence implies that it has to be correct for the app to work, and there is a binary result: the app either works or it doesn’t.

I also love how it disconnects the code from its author. Theoretically, the correct sequence of keystrokes is available to every person who understands algorithms—and, with the advent of vibe coding, to everyone who has a computer and an internet connection.

It also connects to the idea in my action without thought article. It is possible to achieve the desired outcome through action: through the correct action.

The thoughts surrounding the action, like anguish, fear, and hesitation, are not necessary.