A LinkedIn post by a Google software engineer has stirred a heated discussion after he openly admitted to not understanding fundamental programming concepts. His confession included a list of unfamiliar topics such as Kubernetes, CI/CD, multi-threading, memory allocation, pointers, recursion, CSS, SQL, Git, and even coding itself. GetMyIndia.com
The post quickly gained traction, drawing mixed reactions from netizens. While some found humor in the admission, many were shocked and questioned how someone lacking these essential skills could secure a role at one of the world’s leading tech companies. One particularly critical user tagged Google CEO Sundar Pichai, questioning, “How do you call yourself a software engineer then?” The user criticized the engineer, stating, “These are basic concepts, and not understanding them is not something to brag about. You’re a shame.”
How Did He Get Hired?’- Post Draws Online Fire
A Google software engineer recently stirred controversy after admitting on LinkedIn that he lacks fundamental coding knowledge, including skills in SQL, Git, recursion, multi-threading, and even basic programming. The post quickly went viral, with many questioning how someone without these essential competencies could land a job at one of the world’s top tech companies. One shocked user even tagged CEO Sundar Pichai, asking, “Is this guy serious?”
The backlash was swift, with critics accusing Google of lowering its hiring standards. Others, however, came to the engineer’s defense, arguing that not every role at Google requires deep technical expertise and that curiosity and adaptability matter just as much as textbook knowledge. The incident has reignited discussions about the diversity of roles within tech, the meaning of being a “software engineer” today, and how companies like Google evaluate talent in an era of specialization and rapid change.
Criticism and Doubts over Hiring Standards
Another user expressed disbelief, commenting, “Not even sure how you could have cracked any software engineering interviews. Or you are just cracking a sarcastic joke.” Some users speculated that the engineer might be heavily reliant on frameworks rather than core programming knowledge, with one remarking, “You’re one of those SWEs that are chemically dependent on ORMs.”
The discussion extended to X (formerly Twitter), where a screenshot of the post went viral. A user commented, “LinkedIn is absolute gold. This guy tagged Sundar.” Others joined in, pointing out the apparent lack of knowledge, with one saying, “But for real, not knowing SQL or Git is wild.” Another added, “I am literally in school still and I understand these lol. How does bro work at Google? @Google, hire me, please.” One said, “I mean, I think a software engineer has to understand coding.” Another mocked and said, “My question would be, ‘what do you do around here?.
Defenders Argue Specialization is Key
Despite the criticism, some users defended the engineer, arguing that software development is broad and expertise varies. One user noted, “I agree — you don’t need to know or be good at everything to be good at your job. However, one of the hallmarks of a good engineer that I’ve noticed over the years is curiosity. You may not know how K8s works at a deep level, but I suspect that any talented engineer will at least be CURIOUS about these things.”
Conclusion
The controversy sparked by the Google engineer’s LinkedIn post has brought a deep divide in perceptions of what constitutes a qualified software engineer. While critics argue that a lack of basic programming knowledge undermines professional credibility and raises questions about hiring practices at top tech firms, others believe this reflects a broader truth: the tech industry is increasingly specialized. Not every role requires mastery of foundational tools or concepts; some demand domain-specific strengths, problem-solving abilities, or collaboration skills. The incident has also highlighted the evolving expectations around technical roles and how companies like Google assess talent beyond traditional metrics. As the debate continues online, it serves as a reminder that while technical proficiency is essential in many roles, there is room for diversity in skill sets within complex organizations. Ultimately, this conversation may encourage companies and individuals to reflect on the balance between core competencies and role-specific expertise in an ever-changing tech landscape.
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