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Ask HN: What is the most complex topic you understand?

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Re: Ask HN: What is the most complex topic you understand?

#5

Post by usr1106 »

ilovhn wrote: post #2

well... programming

Hmm, how do you know you understand programming?

I have programmed for 30 years, more than 10 in the area of embedded Linux, mostly user space, but also kernel and boot loader. My code has been running in at least a million devices in the field. However more often than not when I need to look into systemd code, I have the feeling I have no clue how this stuff can possibly work, have I ever learned to program?

Re: Ask HN: What is the most complex topic you understand?

#6

Post by ghostpepper »

usr1106 wrote: post #5
ilovhn wrote: post #2

well... programming

Hmm, how do you know you understand programming? I have programmed for 30 years, more than 10 in the area of embedded Linux, mostly user space, but also kernel and boot loader. My code has been running in at least a million devices in the field. However more often than not when I need to look into systemd code, I have the feeling I have no clue how this stuff can possibly work, have I ever learned to program?

I would argue that this ‘humble; always learning’ mindset is exactly what enables experts to become experts but ironically causes experts to feel like they’re not experts.

Re: Ask HN: What is the most complex topic you understand?

#7

Post by thomascgalvin »

I understand software engineering and DevSecOps well enough to keep a number of applications in production use, but both subjects are so broad that I think anyone who tells you they fully understand them either doesn't know how much they don't know, or is selling something.
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