I got involved in programming “by default”. I knew I wanted to be in some kind of science, thought it would be Marine Biology till I realized i couldn’t memorize ;-). So I took a programming class because I figured whatever science I got into would involce computers (circa 1976).
Using BASIC over a dialup line to the UGA computers, storing programs on punch tape…..
I’ve learned a few thing along the way and had the privilege of working with some world class programmers (which I certainly am NOT):
As I interviewed over the years and what asked about myself and my skill level, I settled on thisanalogy:
Think about athletes:
There are
Arm Chair quarterbacks – probably never played the sport but can criticize everything
Weekend warriors – probably played in high school or college
Professionals – play at a regional or national level as their job
Olympians – best of the best, top 1%
I’m solidly in the ‘professional’ class. I have worked with the top 1%. I am not them.
For some more insights see the work page or the AI Programming page.