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Beej's Guide to Learning Computer Science

beej.us

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Re: Beej's Guide to Learning Computer Science

#91

Post by bluedino »

TrackerFF wrote: post #80

I see people argue “But other people hate their jobs in other industries, just push through and grind, money is money” Sure, but I want to point out that software development is kind of unique. I can’t think of too many other professional jobs where the line between hobby and work blends, for so many of its workers. Let us be honest with ourselves, many of the toxic things in this industry are caused by a strong cult…

> I can’t think of too many other professional jobs where the line between hobby and work blends, for so many of its workers.

I would argue that the majority of rank and file programmers are not coding outside of work.

Re: Beej's Guide to Learning Computer Science

#93

Post by JambalayaJimbo »

TrackerFF wrote: post #80

I see people argue “But other people hate their jobs in other industries, just push through and grind, money is money” Sure, but I want to point out that software development is kind of unique. I can’t think of too many other professional jobs where the line between hobby and work blends, for so many of its workers. Let us be honest with ourselves, many of the toxic things in this industry are caused by a strong cult…

>You don’t see investment bankers / lawyers / management consultants / etc. go on about side projects, leveling up their skills during the weekend, and other things that are considered completely normal in this industry.

It is absolutely the case in industries like law and consulting that you are expected to put in time after hours to network with clients/partners, and get certifications.

Re: Beej's Guide to Learning Computer Science

#94

Post by whatamidoingyo »

ink_13 wrote: post #87
whatamidoingyo wrote: post #81

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'd recommend going on Thriftbooks and ordering a textbook. I can't remember the exact copy I had years ago when I was self-learning CS, but it was like $4.00 for a really incredible textbook. Now, I don't have a degree, so take my advice with a grain of salt, but the book was really really good, and honestly, if you've been programming for awhile, I think most of the concepts didn't require a heavy math background (…

What's the name of the book?

It's called "Discrete Mathematics and its Applications" by Kenneth H. Rosen. A google search reveals a PDF as the first result.

Re: Beej's Guide to Learning Computer Science

#95

Post by RankingMember »

bluedino wrote: post #91
TrackerFF wrote: post #80

I see people argue “But other people hate their jobs in other industries, just push through and grind, money is money” Sure, but I want to point out that software development is kind of unique. I can’t think of too many other professional jobs where the line between hobby and work blends, for so many of its workers. Let us be honest with ourselves, many of the toxic things in this industry are caused by a strong cult…

> I can’t think of too many other professional jobs where the line between hobby and work blends, for so many of its workers. I would argue that the majority of rank and file programmers are not coding outside of work.

Anecdotally, this is my perception as well- I'd say maybe 5% of the people I've worked with are the "finish software dev workday, then go home and jump right back on the computer" type. Personally, when I'm done my workday, the last thing I want to do is sit back down at a computer (with rare exceptions for inspiration spikes).

Re: Beej's Guide to Learning Computer Science

#96

Post by GuinansEyebrows »

markus_zhang wrote: post #77
bryanlarsen wrote: post #71

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I know dance instructors, cabinet makers and surgeons who all love their work as a hobby but hate it as a job.

I think it's just they do not have the financial freedom to say No to many of the tasks. Once I have the FU money I'd definitely quit. But what is a hobbyist surgeon?

body modders? folks who like to hang from hooks? i wonder how many folks in those communities have advanced medical degrees.

Re: Beej's Guide to Learning Computer Science

#97

Post by jhbadger »

TrackerFF wrote: post #80

I see people argue “But other people hate their jobs in other industries, just push through and grind, money is money” Sure, but I want to point out that software development is kind of unique. I can’t think of too many other professional jobs where the line between hobby and work blends, for so many of its workers. Let us be honest with ourselves, many of the toxic things in this industry are caused by a strong cult…

Pro bono cases are basically "hobbyist" projects for lawyers - they get to practice their skills, and maybe do some good, but they don't get paid for them.

Re: Beej's Guide to Learning Computer Science

#98

Post by jjice »

lou1306 wrote: post #51
matt3210 wrote: post #11

Beej taught me networking in c in the early 00s. He will now teach my son computer science in the 20s. The circle of life.

Not my kids, but I also passed my Networking course thanks to his guide (early 10s), and I used it as reference material for teaching about sockets in an Operating Systems course this year. Sometimes I just love the Internet, man.

Used his book to learn networking in the late 10s! It's a timeless book at this point. Using the C/Unix socket APIs as the foundation is fantastic. He dives into code and actual network function so well for such a quick read.

Re: Beej's Guide to Learning Computer Science

#99

Post by beej71 »

egwor wrote: post #35
matt3210 wrote: post #11

Beej taught me networking in c in the early 00s. He will now teach my son computer science in the 20s. The circle of life.

Looking at the article headings these don't feel like computer science, and rather how to approach coding problems. This is useful, but not Computer Science. I think that we should refer to this as Programming Engineering or Software Engineering. It is important to call these distinctions out in my mind because the Computer Science is often the concepts or foundations, whereas the Software Engineering is about how to…

I think that's a valid point. The naming came from the fact that the (my) students reading this are in a degree program called "Computer Science". But I do thing that's worth a mention in the guide. Cheers!

Re: Beej's Guide to Learning Computer Science

#100

Post by some_random »

maciejzj wrote: post #53

On a side note, has anyone noticed the disparity of attitude and level of intensity of dialogue when it comes to AI in different HN posts? Given that there are many threads where 80% act as if AI would cause second coming I suspected that main topic of discussion here would be "is it worth learning CS at all in 2026?". To my (pleasant) surprise the discussion here is much more "normal". Does anyone suspect that some…

My perception of AI discussions in HN is that it's typically negative to very cautiously optimistic, I have no clue what the possible astroturfing would be.
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