Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Realistic Portrayals of Software Programmers?

Posted by Cliff on from the you're-expecting-THAT-out-Hollywood? dept.

lwbecker2 asks: "Warren Harrison has written a thought-provoking editorial piece on The Software Developer as Movie Icon. He explores the fact that new entrants to Computer Science curriculum are typically clueless about what 'real' developers actually do. While researching the issue of why this is the case, he determined that some potential CS degree seekers are forming opinions from portrayals in movies and cinema. He describes what he asserts to be inaccurate portrayals of developers in War Games, TRON, and The Net, and asks for input and opinions on 'the impact of the cinema and television on new software developers' expectations, as well as learn of any films that do a better job of portraying our profession...' I am sure Slashdot readers have some input on this, and I am curious if people believe _any_ movie has acurately portrayed software developers?"

3 of 866 comments (clear)

  1. duh. by Telastyn · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Has the film industry portrayed any normal person accurately? No. Normal people are boring.

    1. Re:duh. by mike_mgo · · Score: 5, Insightful
      Exactly.

      Most cops aren't out there chasing down serial killers, most lawyers aren't fighting some evil corporation, and I doubt many spies blow up a whole lot of stuff. But movies about writing traffic tickets, filing divorce papers and staring at satellite photos aren't that exciting.

      You've really got to get out a little more if you're basing career decisions on the movies.

  2. so what's new? by mgs1000 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Do cop shows accurately depict cops?
    Do westerns accurately depict cowboys?
    Do war movies accurately depict soldiers?
    Does pr0n accurately depict sex?
    The list goes on...