# Coded space vs code space Code is everywhere nowadays. It supports modern society and elevates it in some ways. Over time, processes and systems are digitized, and IT is introduced in many areas where it was previously absent. In recent years, digital systems have started not only improving existing processes, but also completely driving those. This led to important improvements in terms of reliability, speed, quality, accessibility and convenience, but also comes with new challenges. When IT systems fail, the impact varies, depending on how central those are to the concerned systems/processes. When those are completely dependent on IT to function, then issues can have dramatic consequences. We can actually distinguish between "coded space", where IT is there in support of a system and "code space", where IT is running the show. Coded spaces are less impacted by IT systems failures, whereas code spaces are so dependent on IT that each failure can be devastating. For instance, airports have become code spaces. When IT systems are unavailable, almost everything grinds to a halt. It's also true for hospitals. We've seen this quite a few times recently. When their IT systems get hacked, hospitals are almost unable to function. I think that carefully considering and balancing the risks involved in digital transform with the opportunities it creates is important. Focusing too much on digitizing everything is not necessarily the best way to go; especially for life-critical environments.