Ask HN: Do I have to have a degree to be a developer?

I think I'm in a good position to answer this since I don't have a degree and am working as a developer.

Obviously the answer is you can still get a job, and a well paying one at that, without a degree. I had internships but I imagine people would be fine with previous work as well.

I don't have the slightest idea about whether being an indie developer would make you a lot of money, but my guess would be no. Having a full time job gives you a lot of stability, and as far as I can tell most indie developers do not make much money, in fact I think most barely manage to scrape a living.

Interesting and difficult projects are much more interesting on a resume than a degree, unless it's from a top college, in which case it really depends on the school and project.

However, I"ll tell you that I actually did go to college, I just didn't finish, and if I could I would totally go back. Financially it makes complete sense to not go to college if you don't have to in order to find a job, but the thing is, the things you'll learn and do in college is likely going to be much more interesting than the work you'll do in industry.

If you are in a position where you already know most of the things that are taught, I would STILL recommend you go to college. In fact, you're in an even better position to take advantage of college because that means you should be able to take graduate courses instead or do research.

Of course, that's just my experience! I do feel that after you start working you'll have less time to learn whatever it is you are interested in though.