Most systems -- both natural and artificial -- decay, rot, and eventually die. Software development environments also undergo a process of decay due to the accumulation of complexity over time. As software projects grow in size and scope, the development environment can become increasingly complex, making it harder for developers to work efficiently. This phenomenon is often referred to as "development environment rot." To combat this issue, it's essential to monitor the developer onboarding experience, ensuring that new team members can get started quickly and easily. Additionally, keeping a close eye on the end-to-end development workflow can help identify areas where complexity may be creeping in. A culture of automation can also play a crucial role in maintaining productivity by striking a balance between automating tasks and avoiding unnecessary complexity. By addressing these factors, developers can mitigate the negative effects of development environment rot and maintain their productivity over time.