[ALUG] Is a college degree required for computer programming?

[Tim Schofield]

I did my degree in Mathematics, and have never been in a formal computer
class. But I have been programming for fun and profit for over 30 years.
Like a lot of programmers of my generation I learned to program sat in
front of my ZX-81 and z80 manual open in front of me. Programming is an art
like carpentry and cooking as Richard said. You can teach a cook what
ingredients to put in and how long to cook it for but they wont produce
cordon bleu without that artistic ability.

Just my 2p :-)
Tim

On 4 October 2014 20:07, Richard Manyanza via Linux <
linux at lists.habari.co.tz> wrote:

> Thank you for the interesting article. I agree with the general notion
> that it's "harder than it looks." But I also detect a little sense of
> pompousness in the article; yes programming is a trade, like carpentry is a
> trade. Excellence in carpentry is just as demanding as excellence in
> programming which is why it is rare to find, and very expensive when you do.
>
> I think it is very possible to be a very successful programmer without
> going to university, in fact I would argue that going to university can
> only give you some competency rarely excellence. People who are very good
> at programming, or carpentry, or cooking are self driven and therein is the
> secret. The people I saw get the most out of university were the self
> driven ones while most students are hazy on even why they study what they
> study. On the same token I have met very good programmers who have not been
> to university but were highly self driven.
>
> I think if you do not go to university (whether on purpose or by accident)
> the challenge is crafting a good study plan. I am happy to see this
> becoming easier and easier with services like Khan Academy, Cousera etc.
> Actually if this trend continues then going to university starts looking
> less attractive while a well planed apprenticeship looks more attractive on
> both substance and cost.
>
> I think learning should be an absolute joy. I think it was Bob Proctor I
> heard say, and I paraphrase, "Little children would rather learn than do
> anything else yet we think they just want to play!" If you are absolutely
> determined to put rockets into orbit then learning about how to do that
> will be a joy to you, whether at university or in your little workshop.
> Your ability to learn how to put rockets into orbit is absolutely not
> hindered by not going to university especially in today's open access world.
>
> On Fri, Oct 3, 2014 at 9:15 PM, Adili via Linux <linux at lists.habari.co.tz>
> wrote:
>
>> More info on the link
>>
>>
>> http://searchsoftwarequality.techtarget.com/opinion/Is-a-college-degree-required-for-computer-programming?track=NL-1806&ad=896360&asrc=EM_NLN_34806575&uid=15327947&utm_medium=EM&utm_source=NLN&utm_campaign=20141003_Why+open+source+rules+legacy+modernization+tools_msargent
>>
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