you could've used docker for 12 years and never hit it if you used it on Linux, and followed sensible practices (mount the data dir from outside so it can be reattached to upgraded version of the container)

It's as if computer science, in terms of data structures and algorithms, isn't taught. Or, perhaps, isn't taught as being relevant.

As for lack of knowledge about filesystems: it might be contributed by mobile devices hiding real filesystems from users.

> the basics don’t make you feel productive, so they’re always skipped when possible.

Basics do make me feel productive. However, it seems bosses and businesses don't agree.

I fear the day basics can be automated away.

Yes and no. The world has also changed all these years. Why something is slow 10+ years ago might not be today or at least for the same reason. E.g. Docker on Mac especially with Apple silicon has undergone major changes the last few years.