The code doesn't matter to the end user. Sure. You can say that about any industry. Engines don't matter as long as you can get from point A to point B and gas is cheap, which it isn't anymore. Healthcare norms don't matter when you are young and healthy. You can get away with this kind of reasoning in the short term. Engineering and almost any industry have rigorous codes and norms you have to follow, but not software engineering. Many software engineers are not engineers, but more like unlicensed plumbers or electricians that can fix the leak, and perhaps throw in a bunch of extension cords to make to hookup some electrician devices. Extension cords may work well for a while because they fix the customer problem, but long term may cause outages and fires. I think Software Engineering as a whole would benefit from more rigor. Of course, there has to be the right balance, as too much rigidity can hinder creativity and productivity, but saying that code doesn't matter is a wrong message.