Design Essays

Some (slightly cheeky) essays on aspects of software design & problem solving:

• Date and Time
• Re-Inventing the Wheel

Becoming a Software Engineer

One of the most frequently asked questions I get concerns how to start or grow a career as a software engineer. This is my standard advice:

You don't need a formal education

It doesn't take a 4-year degree or a formal education to have a well-paid and satisfying career as a software engineer. These days, even the largest, most high-profile internet companies are hiring software engineers that don't have degrees.

You don't need a coding bootcamp

Coding bootcamps are a great way to get started, and are far more cost-effective than a 4 year degree. However, there is an even cheaper, more cost effective path.

The Direct Path

To follow this path, you must:

• be self-motivated
• know how to learn
• create time to learn
• have a computer and an internet connection
• choose a project to work on
• have a mentor
• hang-out with software engineers

For more on this, see The Direct Path to Becoming a Software Engineer.