The Changelog: Software Development, Open Source Why smart engineers write bad code (Interview)
Mar 29, 2019
Adam Barr, a veteran from Microsoft and author of 'The Problem with Software,' dives into why skilled engineers often produce poor code. He discusses the disconnect between academia and industry, emphasizing the need for practical training and better feedback loops. Barr critiques outdated coding interviews for neglecting real-world skills and advocates for evolving hiring practices. The conversation highlights the importance of code maintainability and flexibility, as well as the challenges of navigating programming principles and fostering collaboration between tech and academia.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Academia vs. Boot Camps
- Academia doesn't prepare programmers for large-scale projects.
- Coding boot camps offer more practical, hands-on experience but lack breadth.
Supplement Boot Camp Learning
- Supplement coding boot camp education with broader learning.
- Contribute to open-source projects or work on larger personal projects.
Software Engineering Degrees Lack Practical Certification
- Software engineering degrees don't guarantee practical skills like other engineering disciplines.
- A civil engineering degree certifies bridge-building skills; a software engineering degree doesn't.
