I wouldn’t ask that if you want to keep your job.

You are correct. You ask that if you want to get promoted to a better job, because you understood the problem and likely saved the company money, time, effort or all three, rather than just pushing the buttons like a good code monkey.

That’s a very silly statement. I’ve been asking that question for over a decade and it’s the question that makes me a better developer.

Really?

I’ve asked that question all the time throughout my career. Lots of promotions. No firings or layoffs.

Why would you lose your job?