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Ask HN: Who isn't in the software industry/not a hacker?

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Re: Ask HN: Who isn't in the software industry/not a hacker?

#61

Post by genericone »

I'm an applications engineer working in the semiconductor robotics industry. I make robots run faster and more reliable so that more chips can be made. The software I maintain touches >70% of semiconductor products in the world, and that's only a guess based on our market penetration into a single (significantly) necessary step in the semiconductor manufacturing process.

I would also classify myself as a wantrepreneur. I have a few apps I am currently executing on, but I can only say that my skills in programming for web and mobile are swiftly increasing. This is only the case because HN has convinced me of the certainty of self-enrichment that comes from startups.

I visit HN for the insights into the other tech industry and for non-inflammatory(hah) discussions about current topics. I read comments before I click links, as I typically find the opinions of HN members to be as or more on-topic than the content within the link itself.

Re: Ask HN: Who isn't in the software industry/not a hacker?

#62

Post by periwinkle »

frozenport wrote: post #17

Graduate student who does code but in a non-cs field, I use this site to stay in the know about tech, which has practical value for job interviews.

I'm a neuroscience PhD student, similar deal - I write a lot of code (matlab, python) and find it an enjoyable hobby and potential non-academic career path.

Re: Ask HN: Who isn't in the software industry/not a hacker?

#63

Post by jiggy2011 »

daveloyall wrote: post #58
jiggy2011 wrote: post #41

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I've literally never heard a musician , mathematician or engineer refer to themselves as a "hacker" or anyone outside of computing for that matter.

Neither have I, but I find myself recognizing hacker traits in musicians, mathematicians, lawyers, chefs, spangers, legislators, tech recruiters, modern bohemians, and grant writers. These are all people that reason about systems. The systems and the tools vary, but the process doesn't.

But is it reasonable to term it "hacking", there's a certain arrogance in trying to apply one's own wording in a way that suggests a particular type of person (a particular type of programmer) as the ideal.

Re: Ask HN: Who isn't in the software industry/not a hacker?

#64

Post by bkohlmann »

bellerocky wrote: post #43
bkohlmann wrote: post #14

I'm a fighter pilot. Best place to get news about the trends shaping our world, and muse over natl security implications.

What do you think about replacing most fighter pilots with unmanned drones? Way of the future or will never happen?

I think unmanned systems will augment, rather than replace manned airplanes. In one way of thinking, we've been using drones for decades...a tomahawk missile is an unmanned vehicle with a warhead.

Re: Ask HN: Who isn't in the software industry/not a hacker?

#65

Post by bkohlmann »

tomrod wrote: post #39
bkohlmann wrote: post #14

I'm a fighter pilot. Best place to get news about the trends shaping our world, and muse over natl security implications.

That's awesome.

And terrifying...night carrier landings behind the carrier are pure insanity. After Every single one at least one of my legs was shaking uncontrollably!

Re: Ask HN: Who isn't in the software industry/not a hacker?

#66

Post by bussiere »

I'am part a hypnotist, performer , fire breather , bouncer, and part tech guy and other jobs notably as a fixer in the underground in paris.

For me a hacker is someone who see something and want to mod it , dig in it. A hacker is someone who is curious and is active and don't take things for what they are given for. And a hacker is also someone who doubt. There are mechanical hacker, even grandma tips are hack for me. So it would be more relevant to ask who is not a tech guy. Or consider himself / herself a techguy.

Hn give me interesting inside and news. And it's always good to be on the edge than other people on different subject. I always have one day or two in advance for the news to other people thanks to HN.

Re: Ask HN: Who isn't in the software industry/not a hacker?

#67

Post by anigbrowl »

I'm a sound engineer, working mainly in Indie film with some electronic music and instrument design on the side. Working in film requires wearing a lot of hats so I'm conversant with most aspects of film development/production. Also, frustrated law student.

Re: Ask HN: Who isn't in the software industry/not a hacker?

#68

Post by idlewords »

bkohlmann wrote: post #65
tomrod wrote: post #39

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That's awesome.

And terrifying...night carrier landings behind the carrier are pure insanity. After Every single one at least one of my legs was shaking uncontrollably!

As far as I am concerned, there can never be too many online memoirs about carrier night landings. Please write up your stories for us chairbound types!

Re: Ask HN: Who isn't in the software industry/not a hacker?

#69

Post by ceades »

Government affairs staffer working in Sacramento politics. My field is education but I like to keep tabs on technology and start ups who almost always end up in the legislative realm eventually.

One fight I've been watching with interest in the CA legislature is the anti-Uber/Lyft legislation currently pending. We're in the last three weeks of session now and I'm very interested to see where that ends up and whether Gov. Brown signs it. There's nothing more fun than watching a policy fight you don't have a dog in.

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