If you’re a software engineer trying to be snarky, it’s important to get these
terms right for maximum effect.
What is Yak-Shaving?
“Shaving a Yak” means performing a seemingly endless series of small tasks
that must be completed before the next step in the project can move forward.
Is this a good thing or a bad thing?
It depends. Yak Shaving is sometimes very much necessary. It’s “bad” only when
done unnecessarily. It’s unfortunate when necessary but might not be a bad
thing at all under certain circumstances.