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In her talk titled "Livable Code" at the Rocky Mountain Ruby 2017 conference, Sarah Mei explores the intricate relationship between software teams and their codebases, emphasizing the importance of trust and communication. She revisits her earlier ideas on software development, clarifying that while software is not a physical product, it can be better understood through models of living spaces.

Key points in her presentation include:  
- **Background and Trust**: Mei shares her background in software and community work, highlighting the significance of trust among team members in successful software development.
- **Conway's Law**: She discusses Conway's Law, which suggests that a team’s communication structure influences, and is reflected in, their code structure. Problems in the codebase may mirror communication issues within the team.
- **Architectural Metaphor**: Mei argues that likening software to architecture or construction is outdated, as software is always a work in progress, contrasting with the fixed nature of physical buildings. She describes software development as more akin to creating livable spaces where ongoing adjustments are necessary.
- **Livable Code**: The concept revolves around making codebases sustainable and adaptable for the teams using them, akin to maintaining a livable home that meets the needs of its residents.
- **Incremental Improvements**: Mei emphasizes that livability can be achieved through small, consistent improvements rather than large, sweeping changes, a process akin to maintaining a tidy home rather than depending on dramatic cleanouts. 
- **Community and Collaboration**: The necessity for team communication is stressed throughout her talk, arguing that a group's success comes from collaborative practices, resources, and a communal approach to maintenance.

Significant examples include reflections on her experience running workshops with RailsBridge and insights from software industry norms that make achieving a livable working environment challenging. Mei concludes that the vital connection lies in recognizing software as an interconnected system of people and code, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and trust within teams.

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