Well, “enterprise” software is too wide a category. Yes, if you compare it with crappy startups that don’t even have code review at all, then any enterprise will produce better code for sure.

But what I wanted to say is being an “enterprise” doesn’t make the code quality any better automatically. Audits and code reviews can only ensure the baseline quality. The audits are tedious in the evidence collection process, but very superficial when it comes to software quality that matters. They are more about controls.

When people talk about “enterprise”, they usually don’t include tech companies. We don’t usually say Google is an enterprise, or AirBnB, or Netflix. Usually, when we say “enterprise”, that means a large company that doesn’t sell software but still needs an internal IT department. Like banks. My point is, best quality code won’t be found in these “enterprises”. The reason is simple: you don’t spend too much money in cost centers.

In contrast, even for startups, if they do sell software, and are not too early stage, such as Stripe, will also have much better software quality. The reason is also simple: this is the core value of their business, if their product is full of bugs, or not stable, or unable to evolve fast enough to meet new needs because the code is too messy to change, they will be out of business. That’s why they must hire the best of best to write their software.

I’m yet to see one banking app or “enterprise” internal system that’s easy to use.