More Than Coding Errors Behind Bad Software

An anonymous reader writes "SANS' just-released list of the Top 15 most dangerous programming errors obscures the real problem with software development today, argues InfoWeek's Alex Wolfe. In More Than Coding Mistakes At Fault In Bad Software, he lays the blame on PC developers (read: Microsoft) who kicked the time-honored waterfall model to the curb and replaced it not with object-oriented or agile development but with a 'modus operandi of cramming in as many features as possible, and then fixing problems in beta.' He argues that youthful programmers don't know about error-catching and lack a sense of history, suggesting they read Fred Brooks' 'The Mythical Man-Month,' and Gerald Weinberg's 'The Psychology of Computer Programming.'"

Comments

Its all true

[yttrstein]

Which is precisely why I would *never* in a million years hire a programmer under 30, and rising.

I interviewed someone who became proficient enough in computer programming to get a masters degree from what was, when I was in school, an amazingly advanced Comp Sci program -- who didn't know what a linker does.

Re:cheap shot

[berend botje]

And see what it got you: the steaming turd called Vista. Nice jorb.

Re:When I was breaking in

[rtechie]

maybe at their school

Actually, I tend to have a dim view of those that took a few classes in computer programing and think they're a programmer.

If I was being real, I mean really real, my interview would consist of one question:

"When did you code your first C application?"

If it was any older than 12 (twelve), I'd reject them. *I* did this, and I don't even consider myself to be a programmer.

Experience has taught me that high-school dropouts with a passion for programming are generally LIGHT YEARS beyond people who aren't passionate that scraped through a BA in Computer Science. The dropout is far more likely to have real experience using software to solve real problems.

Self-taught programmers are almost always superior to those that have learned in a class. They're "doing it the hard way" and the extra effort shows.

Re:When I was breaking in

[ishobo]

Ten years is middle level in my book and not anywhere close to lead material. At my conpany, less than 3 years is entry level, 3-8 is junior, 8-20 is middle, 20+ is senior and all team leads have to come from this pool. I am an old timer; I remember when you could start as a computer operator changing data tapes and the like, slowly moving up the career ladder much like it is in other skilled trades. Now, young adults come out of college and expect $100k (in the SF Bay Area).

I do not know which are worse, the folks that know they don't know or don't know they don't know.

I usually give them a general knowldge test (and they have to get 100%) before we start on the technical skills, with questions such as 1) name five state capitols in the U.S., 2) name five countries in North America, 3) explain the theory of evolution as it applies to biology, 4) give an example of circular resasoning. Most people fail the test. The number one area folks need to work on is geography. I guess we need more maps in the U.S.

Re:cheap shot

[jesdynf]

ACs, as a general rule, should not attempt to dictate fact without citeable proof.

Thanks.