Keep in mind that the cycles here are not circles, they're spirals. We <<are>> progressing, it's just very slow to notice.

A bit of proof: https://www.joelonsoftware.com/2000/08/09/the-joel-test-12-s...

1. Do you use source control? - I haven't seen a software company without source control in... 2 decades?

2. Can you make a build in one step? - This is a bit tricky, but it super widespread. Maybe not universal, but very widespread.

3. Do you make daily builds? - Same as #2.

4. Do you have a bug database? - Same as #2.

5. Do you fix bugs before writing new code? - This is a debatable topic but you could argue that modern bugs are more complex and we are fixing them.

6. Do you have an up-to-date schedule? - Heh, some things you just can't win :-p

7. Do you have a spec? - Similar to #6.

8. Do programmers have quiet working conditions? - This one is the biggest modern failure, but it's not one of tech.

9. Do you use the best tools money can buy? - Similar to #2.

10. Do you have testers? - We've moved to automated testing. We've lost some flair but we've gained a lot in day-to-day quality.

11. Do new candidates write code during their interview? - Really widespread now, but not universal. Less widespread than having proper build systems.

12. Do you do hallway usability testing? - Varies a lot by field, it used to vary even back in the day.