When the term "code quality" comes up in a startup,

Are we really looking at the same problem?

When startup CEOs come to me for advice on development team issues,

there's one phrase they use more than any other.

“I think the code quality is low.”

“That's why development speed is so slow.”

“Maintenance is almost impossible in this state.”

“Further development is difficult in this condition.”

At first, we naturally formed this hypothesis:

Perhaps they have a developer acquaintance,

and that acquaintance used these terms.

However, as we repeatedly solved similar problems,

a strange feeling began to emerge.

Why do the CEOs of such small organizations

bring up a rather technical issue like

‘code quality’ to me?

A Recurring Pattern Began to Emerge

As I continued to consult,

I noticed common situations that appeared quite frequently.

1. Initial development completed by an external vendor
2. Subsequently hired junior developers internally
3. Attempting to start operations and further development
4. And then the words appear

“This code has such low quality that

a senior developer needs to redesign it

and rebuild it from scratch.”

At first glance, this statement sounds very reasonable.

However, upon closer inspection,

it often points to a slightly different problem.

“Code Quality” Sometimes Becomes a Defense Mechanism

When junior developers

take over code developed by external vendors for operation,

they often feel a much greater burden than expected.

1. Difficulty understanding the overall structure
2. Lack of context on why it was designed that way
3. Side effects occurring even with minor modifications
4. Unclear scope of responsibility

In this situation,

it's not easy to say,

“I don't have enough experience yet, so I need more time.”

Instead, a much safer phrase emerges:

“It’s because the code quality is low.”

This statement shifts the cause from personal capability

to an external entity: the code.

Even if unintentional, it effectively becomes an excellent defense argument.

The problem arises the moment this statement

is communicated to the CEO.

The Arrow Always Flies in the Same Direction

From the CEO's perspective, it sounds like this:

1. “The current team can’t handle it.”
2. “We need to hire a new senior developer.”
3. “The development so far has been flawed.”

From that moment on,

the focus of the problem shifts from the structure or process

to people.

1. Who failed?
2. Who is lacking?
3. Who needs to change?

And that arrow

usually points towards the same developers.

So, I Often Advise This

When the topic of code quality arises,

I often tell CEOs:

“In the current situation,

rather than rushing to hire a senior developer,

it might be the better choice for

the current team to take more time

and continue with this code.”

This doesn't mean

the code is perfect,

nor does it mean seniors are unnecessary.

However, it rests on the premise that:

1. The current difficulties are
2. less about the quality of the code
3. and more likely due to a lack of context, insufficient understanding, gaps in handover,
4. and the common mismatch of roles and expectations in small organizations.

Code Quality is a Result, Not a Cause

This is especially true in very small organizations.

1. Code quality is less about individual skill
2. and more a cumulative result of the team's decision-making process,
3. time pressures,
4. and unexplained choices.

Yet, we often

summarize this complex issue

with the single word “code quality.”

From that moment on,

the conversation stops, and responsibility merely shifts.

Concluding This Article

This article

is not intended to blame junior developers,

nor to criticize the CEO's judgment.

However, one thing is clear:

When the phrase “code quality is low” arises,

it's worth taking a moment to re-examine

whether it truly refers only to the code itself.

Perhaps hidden within it

lies an organizational issue

that has yet to be articulated.