What is true about technical debt?

Technical debt is indeed a genuine risk that can negatively affect long-term quality. In software development, it represents the eventual consequences of poor or limited design decisions that are made under pressure, often to deliver a product more quickly. While short-term gains might be realized by taking shortcuts, such as using temporary solutions or insufficient testing, these can lead to significant issues down the line.

Over time, accumulated technical debt can hinder the ability to adapt, scale, and maintain a product effectively. It might result in increased costs associated with fixing problems or adding new features. As a product evolves, unresolved technical debt can lead to a decline in performance, introduce bugs, and complicate future development efforts. Therefore, recognizing technical debt as a real risk is crucial for maintaining the overall health and sustainability of a product, ensuring it continues to provide value without compromising its quality over time.

By understanding and managing technical debt, Product Owners can make informed decisions about when to address these debts to balance immediate needs with long-term objectives in product development.