[CamperBob2]

Here’s the first big misconception: HDL is hardware. It isn’t. HDL is software and should be managed like software.

Yes, that's certainly a big misconception. Maybe not the one the author meant to call out, but... yes, a big misconception indeed.

[oscillonoscope]

Its both depending on context. If HDL becomes custom silicon then it needs to be treated like hardware. If you can easily deploy field updates to your device then it's no different than any other firmware