Advantages and Realities of Being a Self-Taught Programmer

Many perceive self-taught programmers as being at a disadvantage compared to those with formal training. However, the landscape of software development is rapidly changing, and the traditional educational model is not the only path to success. Let's explore the advantages of being self-taught and the real differences between self-learning and university study.

The Advantage: Cost Efficiency

One significant advantage of being self-taught is cost. A university degree can be expensive, and many self-taught programmers find that they can achieve the same level of technical ability at a fraction of the cost. This is especially true for those who are motivated to learn on their own and can effectively manage their time and resources.

The Disadvantage: Missing Hard-Learned Lessons

While self-teaching can be cost-effective, it does come with its own set of challenges. For instance, self-taught programmers might miss out on the hard-learned lessons and mistakes that others have made over time. These experiences can guide them towards better practices and avoidance of common pitfalls. Unfortunately, some might repeat these mistakes which could set them back in their career.

All Developers are Self-Taught to Some Degree

It’s important to note that all developers are to some degree self-taught. Even at university, students are primarily told what to learn, with actual learning often being left to individual initiative. After graduation, continuous learning is crucial to stay relevant. The salient difference lies in whether someone is solely self-taught or has been guided to some extent.

Learning Independently is a Skill

One advantage of being self-taught is the willingness and ability to learn at your own direction. Many college graduates may seem satisfied with what they have learned and expect continuous hand-holding when learning new skills. However, self-taught developers have figured out how to learn on their own effectively. This is a valuable skill that can be honed through practice and experience.

Selection Bias and the Importance of Experience

There is a danger of selection bias in the argument that self-taught developers are inherently better or worse than those with formal training. The developers who have proven they can learn on their own are the ones described as "self-taught." However, many developers with a formal education also possess this skill. What sets them apart might be the experience and practical knowledge they gained during their degree.

Practical Knowledge vs Theoretical Knowledge

The practical application of knowledge is crucial in software development. There is a huge range in job skills and requirements that a software developer might encounter. A developer working on basic web pages with JavaScript and PHP may not need to use their university degree much, if at all. On the other hand, a developer working on high-performance, scalable web applications with complex algorithms will need to remember or learn more advanced computer science fundamentals.

Advantages of Self-Learning

Self-taught programmers can save money on university degrees and save time that could be spent earning money. For those who are apt at learning independently, or have a preference for it, developing simple web sites might be all that's needed. Additionally, while self-learning may have limitations, it can still provide a solid foundation. Those who realize they need more in the future can always pursue a degree or complete the full CS sequence.

The Evolving Nature of the Field

The field of software development is always evolving, and the skills required can shift over time. Even those with a degree may find that their knowledge becomes outdated or their skills become insufficient. The ability to learn on one's own is becoming increasingly important in an environment where new technologies and frameworks are constantly emerging.

Conclusion

Being self-taught has its advantages and disadvantages. While it might save money and offer more flexibility in learning, it also requires a strong self-motivation and a proactive attitude towards learning. The reality is that success in software development is not just about formal education but about a combination of knowledge, practical skills, and the ability to learn and adapt.