Does it really take 10,000 hours to learn to code?

blog.thefirehoseproject.com

12 points·0x54MUR41··6 comments

I'm not sure why one would equate "being a good programmer" with "doing what startups need done?" There's plenty of need for programmers who don't use Javascript and Ruby, and people like Linus Torvalds (or most of the people who've build world-class critical frameworks) probably didn't start there either.

My interest in computer science started with hardware/software hacking, understanding and breaking something to do what I wanted was just so interesting. I've met a handful of other people who have the same inclination and they've always been older.

There isn't glamor or recognition in learning systems and hacking. The things a common person recognizes, interacts with, understands and sees value in are apps. To most people, programmers make apps. Why would you spend time tinkering in front of a console or playing with hardware when you (think you) could make the next Snapchat?

This is the unfortunate attitude I see a lot of those getting into the field as having. Tech is mobile or the web and we tinker to make it big on an app store. It's Javascript or bust.

Most universities teach computer science when most employers want software engineering.

Additionally, working a full time position for 5 years isn't the same as purposefully practicing for 5 years (cross-ref another HN story today: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=11554151)

No less than three popups appeared up as soon as I scrolled. Insta-close.

Yep. Terrible site.

A modal, a popover in the lower right, and....the social media links to the left?

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