> the phenomenon where working software seems to deteriorate even when the code is untouched
If the code is touched, and fails to keep up with dependencies, I might argue that's more a case of bit neglect. But maybe that's semantics.
I do agree that bitrot can be real though. Links rot off the web. If you're going to leave a project sitting on git without maintenance, you should probably capture the build context. Like shrink-wrapping a boat and storing it on land rather than just leaving it rusting away in the water for years.
> the phenomenon where working software seems to deteriorate even when the code is untouched
If the code is touched, and fails to keep up with dependencies, I might argue that's more a case of bit neglect. But maybe that's semantics.
I do agree that bitrot can be real though. Links rot off the web. If you're going to leave a project sitting on git without maintenance, you should probably capture the build context. Like shrink-wrapping a boat and storing it on land rather than just leaving it rusting away in the water for years.