[jacquesm]

You don't always know if your software is going to be responsible for keeping people alive. Operating systems, system components, firmware in devices and so on are all potentially software that can be responsible for keeping people alive.

Let me give you a simple and easy to understand example: an MP3 decoder performs the boring task of transforming one bunch of numbers into another bunch of numbers. This second bunch of numbers is then fed into a DAC which in turn feeds into an amplifier. If your software malfunctions it could cause an ear splitting sound to appear with zero warning while the vehicle that your MP3 decoder has been integrated into is navigating a complex situation. The reaction of the driver can range from complete calm all that way to a panic including involuntary movements. This in turn can cause loss or damage of property, injury and ultimately death.

Farfetched? Maybe. But it almost happened to me, all on account of a stupid bug in an MP3 player. Fortunately nothing serious happened but it easily could have.

So most of us should try harder to make good software, because (1) there should be some pride in creating good stuff and (2) you never really know how your software will be used once it leaves your hands so better safe than sorry.