What technical skills should product managers possess?

Aspiring product managers often debate the necessity of technical skills, with opinions varying widely on their importance for the role. While some argue that technical knowledge is unnecessary, others suggest it is crucial, especially for technical product managers who must possess strong technical skills. For general product managers, understanding technical concepts like the software development lifecycle, programming basics, Git workflow, SQL, and DevOps can enhance their effectiveness by improving product understanding, decision-making, team relationships, and communication. Although product managers are not expected to have the same technical expertise as developers, having a foundational understanding of these concepts is beneficial. This knowledge allows them to operate effectively at the intersection of business, technology, and user experience, ensuring a comprehensive approach to product management.