Education [was Re: for / while else doesn't make sense]

[Marko Rauhamaa]

Christopher Reimer <christopher_reimer at icloud.com>:

> Under various proposals in the U.S., everyone will soon learn how to
> program and/or become a computer scientist. Won't be long before some
> snotty-nosed brat graduates from preschool, takes a look at your code,
> and poops in his diapers. He will then dips his finger into his
> diaper, write on the whiteboard how your code can be written in a
> single line, and summary dismiss you with security escorting you off
> the premises.
>
> Gotta love the future. :)

Unfortunately, most CS graduates don't seem to know how to program.

Yes, some highschoolers could excel in the post of a senior software
engineer -- I've had the privilege of working alongside several
specimens. However, it has been known for half a century that good
developers are hard to come by.

I think it is essential to learn the principles of programming just like
it is essential to learn the overall principles of nuclear fission or be
able to locate China on the map. However, a small minority of humanity
will ever earn a living writing code.

At the same time, it may be that in the not-too-distant future, the
*only* jobs available will be coding jobs as we start to take the
finishing steps of automating all manufacturing, transportation and
services. Then, we will have a smallish class of overworked coders who
have no use or time for money and vast masses of jobless party-goers who
enjoy the fruits of the coders' labor.


Marko