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Software Developers after 40, 50 and 60 Who're Still Coding

belitsoft.com

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Re: Software Developers after 40, 50 and 60 Who're Still Coding

#12
post #7

".. However, StackOverflow’s survey on age shows that there are just about 13% of developers after 40. Where are the others?" Obviously not on StackOverflow. Perhaps they have enough experience and knowledge to not need the site because they either know how to read tech books and sites to get the info they need when they have a problem using pre-existing docs, or conversely, are fully able to debug issues themselves.…

Wow, you sound salty and defensive. Using StackOverflow is often the fastest way to find results. Your implication that it means we don't know how to debug issues ourselves or use pre-existing docs is insulting and farcical. I'm perfectly capable of using other resources—that doesn't change the fact that a quick Google is often the fastest way to reference something I forgot. I'd never hire someone who saw using Stac…

nowhere did the OP say it was a 'flaw'. he theorized that more experienced developers may just not need to go there as much.

I'd theorize that perhaps older developers don't put as much stock in participating in those sorts of surveys.

Re: Software Developers after 40, 50 and 60 Who're Still Coding

#13

".. However, StackOverflow’s survey on age shows that there are just about 13% of developers after 40. Where are the others?" Obviously not on StackOverflow. Perhaps they have enough experience and knowledge to not need the site because they either know how to read tech books and sites to get the info they need when they have a problem using pre-existing docs, or conversely, are fully able to debug issues themselves.…

I am 50 and use StackOverflow all the time. In my view StackOverflow (and Wikipedia) is one of the best things coming from the internet.

Re: Software Developers after 40, 50 and 60 Who're Still Coding

#14
post #8

What about Linus Torvalds? Born: Linus Benedict Torvalds, December 28, 1969 (age 47), Helsinki, Finland I guess he's still coding, right? Does it count?

I wouldn't really says he codes much these days; he mostly works on code review and merging in others' code.

Re: Software Developers after 40, 50 and 60 Who're Still Coding

#16
post #7

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Wow, you sound salty and defensive. Using StackOverflow is often the fastest way to find results. Your implication that it means we don't know how to debug issues ourselves or use pre-existing docs is insulting and farcical. I'm perfectly capable of using other resources—that doesn't change the fact that a quick Google is often the fastest way to reference something I forgot. I'd never hire someone who saw using Stac…

nowhere did the OP say it was a 'flaw'. he theorized that more experienced developers may just not need to go there as much. I'd theorize that perhaps older developers don't put as much stock in participating in those sorts of surveys.

He assumed that Stack Overflow users don't have the experience to read books or debug themselves, which from the other replies is obviously incorrect and naive.

Re: Software Developers after 40, 50 and 60 Who're Still Coding

#18
post #7

".. However, StackOverflow’s survey on age shows that there are just about 13% of developers after 40. Where are the others?" Obviously not on StackOverflow. Perhaps they have enough experience and knowledge to not need the site because they either know how to read tech books and sites to get the info they need when they have a problem using pre-existing docs, or conversely, are fully able to debug issues themselves.…

Wow, you sound salty and defensive. Using StackOverflow is often the fastest way to find results. Your implication that it means we don't know how to debug issues ourselves or use pre-existing docs is insulting and farcical. I'm perfectly capable of using other resources—that doesn't change the fact that a quick Google is often the fastest way to reference something I forgot. I'd never hire someone who saw using Stac…

It's not a flaw, but you certainly are making it sound like a requirement.

Besides, for some of the stuff some of us do, the technology isn't on Stack overflow.

Re: Software Developers after 40, 50 and 60 Who're Still Coding

#19
post #8

What about Linus Torvalds? Born: Linus Benedict Torvalds, December 28, 1969 (age 47), Helsinki, Finland I guess he's still coding, right? Does it count?

Fabrice Bellward is 45, John Carmack is 46. Michael Abrash is probably in his mid-50's. Rob Pike, Guido Von Rossum, and Larry Wall are all still programming and they're in their 60's.

I think it's safe to say you won't magically lose your programming ability as you get older.

Re: Software Developers after 40, 50 and 60 Who're Still Coding

#20

".. However, StackOverflow’s survey on age shows that there are just about 13% of developers after 40. Where are the others?" Obviously not on StackOverflow. Perhaps they have enough experience and knowledge to not need the site because they either know how to read tech books and sites to get the info they need when they have a problem using pre-existing docs, or conversely, are fully able to debug issues themselves.…

Or perhaps they are less likely to create an account.
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