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Where are some good resources for learning the details and practical uses of the various algorithms and data structures one should know? Even if I never end up using the information in my line of work, I'm interested in them just out of curiosity (and they probably wouldn't hurt for job interviews, either).
You mention Ruby on your "become fluent" list, but I get the impression that Google doesn't use much ruby. Is the feeling there that skills in ruby can transfer, or is it more important to focus on Java, C++ or Python?
Being a good developer in any language is pretty transferable. Google isn't going to care if you have to fumble for a few weeks getting comfortable with the syntax. The important bit is being a good developer, not which language.
Can't speak for Google though. Just if you were thinking in general terms.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
I guess I just don't know why you made the comment. Neither the OP, nor probably anyone else, has as their sole concern in life "work at Google/other large company." So I made what I thought was a reasonable leap that you were actually disparaging a hypothetical person's current main goal.
I made the comment because I don't think we should be reaching this level of discussion. We should be discussing something like how we're going to help people, rather than giving each other steps on getting employed. I have a tendency in believing there are better and worse motives. Content like this also shifts the attention away from what is actually important. It's an opinion, you can ignore it.
Let people accomplish what goals they want, it's not up to you.
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Even with six figure student loans?
There are many, many solid schools you can go to that would not require six-figure loans. Alternately, if you can be in the top 1% of kids, the best schools, like Stanford, are starting to only charge those who can afford it.
I don't think the "school" vs "no school" argument has to be as black and white as it turns into. I think circumstances vary and in his particular case, he probably chose the most optimal option.
And I'd give him some bonus points for beating ("hacking") the system by finding an alternate path to his goal when it became clear to him that his current position became highly disadvantageous.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
I guess I just don't know why you made the comment. Neither the OP, nor probably anyone else, has as their sole concern in life "work at Google/other large company." So I made what I thought was a reasonable leap that you were actually disparaging a hypothetical person's current main goal.
I made the comment because I don't think we should be reaching this level of discussion. We should be discussing something like how we're going to help people, rather than giving each other steps on getting employed. I have a tendency in believing there are better and worse motives. Content like this also shifts the attention away from what is actually important. It's an opinion, you can ignore it.
While people must strike a balance between doing what benefits themselves, and what benefits others, that is basically a personal decision. People who work at Google and other tech companies pay taxes, and benefit society in many ways through the positive externalities. It's not for you to say that this isn't enough of a contribution to society.
>It's an opinion, you can ignore it.
If you state it on HN, you can deal with people disagreeing with it, without getting annoyed.
Where are some good resources for learning the details and practical uses of the various algorithms and data structures one should know? Even if I never end up using the information in my line of work, I'm interested in them just out of curiosity (and they probably wouldn't hurt for job interviews, either).
Huh. I didn't do any of this. Maybe there isn't a single way to do things.
Sounds like he reproduced the college experience without a college. Good for him. But in general it's probably more efficient to just to go to college and get a degree.
Pros:
* Cost $0
* Flexible
* Probably more difficult than going to college.
* You do it alone.
* No networking opportunities, no new friends.
* No credential.