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Discussion on: The obligation of a software developer

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Bryan Ellis

Having been a developer for 30+ years I find it fascinating how schools can expel new developers who can't read and maintain existing code. Careers in literature require a lot of reading and understanding of the language before the first new literary work is created - let alone published. Science requires a lot of procedure following behind those who have come before. Software development seems to forego all of this and instead says "read the dictionary then write me a novel". Too many coders can only build new things from scratch and have a very difficult time maintaining existing (many times legacy) code. This skill would help in points 4 and 5 of the article. Remember that not all code has the privilege of being created in the newest, best, cleanest environment.

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Nick Sweeting

This maybe because everyone gets Computer Science degrees instead of Software Engineering degrees. People mistakenly think the two are the same, and come out of university with their fansci compsci degree without knowing what Bash, git, or TCP/IP are.

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Tobias Salzmann

I purposefully avoided any practical lecture in university. Even now, after deciding on a career in Software engineering, I do not regret that decision. The reasoning and problem solving skills I developed are much more valuable to me in my day-to-day work than knowing about some specific technology could ever be.

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Kristina

I think it depends on the program, and not necessarily just the degree. My CompSci degree included a pretty in depth focus on Bash, git, TCP/IP and actual practical skills. But, I've seen other schools that are way too theoretical. ¯_(ツ)_/¯

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thesquashsh profile image
Nick Sweeting

Makes sense! Where did you get your degree if you don't mind me asking? It sounds like your school did it right!

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Kristina

Don't mind at all :) McGill University -- in Montreal. But I've definitely taken classes at other schools where there was no emphasis on actually coding as well -- which is...worrying :/ [Edit: Just realized you're IN Montreal! Awesome!]

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Nick Sweeting

Oh nice, I'm in Montreal too. I've heard good things about parts of McGill's compsci program.