I think the main difference between self-taught and college-taught is structure. You will get to learn everything you need to know to build systems in general, and then practice by doing, where as self-taught you don’t necessarily learn everything you need to know, but enough to build what you’re currently working on.
I’m self-taught and looking to up my level of code by trying to find out what you learn in CS classes, etc (must-know algorithms, data structures, whatever) so I can fill in any blanks I have to become better.
I totally agree with you up to "practice by doing". I 100% think that's how it should be, but I think two things actually happen far too often:
there's not enough time to practice on your own (outside of assignments)
assignments are far too structured and don't leave room for creativity
I love how much time I have now to practice whatever I want. I think I learned quite a bit of how to structure my own learning though, with college requiring good time management skills.
I like your idea! I think I'll write some posts on Software Engineering specific concepts. There's quite a few things you learn that Computer Scientists don't! Holding all of that information in my head doesn't help anyone, does it? :)
My biggest issue at the minute is with working all day then coming home and not wanting to start working on my own projects because I’m a little burned out, but that’s a whole other topic!
I look forward to seeing some of that tucked-away information! Definitely have time for that.
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I think the main difference between self-taught and college-taught is structure. You will get to learn everything you need to know to build systems in general, and then practice by doing, where as self-taught you don’t necessarily learn everything you need to know, but enough to build what you’re currently working on.
I’m self-taught and looking to up my level of code by trying to find out what you learn in CS classes, etc (must-know algorithms, data structures, whatever) so I can fill in any blanks I have to become better.
Maybe this could be another post? hint :)
I totally agree with you up to "practice by doing". I 100% think that's how it should be, but I think two things actually happen far too often:
I love how much time I have now to practice whatever I want. I think I learned quite a bit of how to structure my own learning though, with college requiring good time management skills.
I like your idea! I think I'll write some posts on Software Engineering specific concepts. There's quite a few things you learn that Computer Scientists don't! Holding all of that information in my head doesn't help anyone, does it? :)
My biggest issue at the minute is with working all day then coming home and not wanting to start working on my own projects because I’m a little burned out, but that’s a whole other topic!
I look forward to seeing some of that tucked-away information! Definitely have time for that.