This piece dives into the evolving dynamics of tech roles, arguing that "operators"—people who manage and maintain systems—are becoming more critical than traditional users or even programmers. The discussion, sparked by a Hacker News thread, explores how infrastructure and operational expertise often overshadow pure coding skills in today's complex tech landscape.

Editor’s Note: It’s a reality check for anyone in tech: knowing how to build things isn’t always enough. As systems grow more intricate, the folks who keep them running smoothly (often behind the scenes) are gaining clout. Whether you’re a developer or just tech-curious, this shift could reshape career paths and team hierarchies—so it’s worth paying attention to.