- A recent Ask Slashdot question asked about the knowledge gaps that self-taught programmers generally have.
- The author of the post was introduced to good programming books early on, including the Gang of Four's Design Patterns book, which helped them develop good habits.
- One commenter on the Ask Slashdot question reversed the question and asked about the gaps that schooled programmers have that self-taught programmers don't, and mentioned missing skills like source control and development methodologies.
- Learning doesn't end after finishing university, and it's important to continue investing in knowledge and taking care of our own learning.
There was a very interesting Ask Slashdot question today. Someone asked the question “What Knowledge Gaps Do Self-Taught Programmers Generally Have?” and it rings true for me as a self-taught programmer.
Fortunately for me, another programmer introduced me to a bevy of good programming books early on. In particular, the Gang of Four’s Design Patterns book and I started putting them into practice. I realized the need to start good habits at the beginning of my programming career.
One commenter, “moore.dustin”, reversed the question “What gaps do schooled programmers have that self-taught programmers don’t?” and a different set of missing skills applies. Schools generally aren’t doing things common to software engineering like source control or a particular development methodology.
Finishing with University isn’t the end of learning. There was always a lot to learn. There are new languages that come into vogue and new technologies. I have always been a fan of Mark Twain’s quote “I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.” and Benjamin Franklin’s quote “An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.” Education is not about cramming for a test and it is incumbent upon ourselves to take care of our own learning.
