Do you think programmers who learned how to code in school have an edge over self-taught ones?

In some cases, yes. In schools the best practices are being followed by the instructors, they also are aware about the mistakes that beginners make while starting developement , on the other hand the self taught mostly learn by mistakes, they take alot of time learning and understanding the mental models of programming, but at a certain level where both kinds get some hands on experience , i think both are same.

Hard to tell TBH. The source of the education is only one contributing factor to the quality of the developer. Not everyone learns in the same way through the same means, some people will take better to learning through a teacher, and others will take better to learning on their own. Deciding whether you're a better developer simply from the source of your education is a very limited view of the entire industry and career.

i think opposite because self-taught ones .. definitely have more motivation and willness then average student

Not necessarily. I've seen rockstar coders who are completely self-taught. Platforms like Codecademy or Coursera offer solid grounds for self-learning. School gives you structured knowledge, yes, but creativity and problem-solving? That comes from experience and passion. Formal education or self-taught, what matters is the drive to learn and adapt.

Hello, no way. If a self-taught person can write the same cat as another programmer from school, then they have the same knowledge. Practice even better develops programming than theory.

So far in the last 15 years of my experience, my answer would be no. I have interviewed and hired many devs over the years... If you have the head for programming great... but the thing that sets a great developer apart from the rest is their ability to persevere through incredibly tough problems. That perseverance (or grit) IMO is the main thing that a self-taught engineer has learned when they were teaching themselves to code. Ask this same question though in about 4 to 5 years... with the arrival of LLMs like GPT finding an answer is now infinitely easier than it used to be. I find it hard to predict how this will affect "self-taught" developers in the future. To be given the answer as opposed to researching and figuring it out... big difference.

I think yes. Being self-taught I can say that yeah, you will be able to implement software at a similar level as school-taught developers, but on numerous occasions, I have run into cases where I have missed foundational topics in the things that are integral to my topics of interest. This has led me to try to balance the theory vs practice elements of improving my programming skills as learning the theory gives me an understanding at a deeper level and gives me exposure to things that I have never come across as self-taught. The issue with school taught in many cases is that the programmers don't have their own strong motivation to learn which leads them to be worse in practical cases, but for programmers who have already established their motivation I think learning structured theory in addition to a lot of practice is quintessential to be a well-rounded developer.

Well most if the Time through school you do apprenticeship. Thats a Big help to learn how to work in a team, structure a project, etc. Not saying that self taught cannot be as good as devs going through school, its just that seeing how multiple teams of dev structured code through your training (with direct access to the dev) is really key imo in how mature you are coming the end of your training.

In today's digital age, traditional schooling offers a structured environment for learning. However, the availability of numerous free and paid online courses has revolutionized education, providing individuals with the flexibility to learn at their own pace and motivation. Ultimately, what truly matters is the individual's innate ability and determination to excel. Regardless of the learning method chosen, whether through formal education or self-guided online courses, talent and skill prevail.

It's not so simple. Depends of various factors: - Is your product a very complicated one which tackles a problem at the edge of knowledge? In such case, the college programmers do have an edge thanks to them knowing what is possible out there before diving deeper into specific implementation - Is your product a web app like 90% others? In such case, there is almost no edge based on their background. Rather, it's up to their own motivation. I switched from marketing to product design to engineering (over a 10 years journey) and there is knowledge I wished i know before hand in school. For example, when dealing with low level networking, having an idea of how machines talk to each other and their organization model would surely help me avoid a few outages.

well things change fast in the programming world, so what's taught in school is kind of redundant soon.

The advantage between programmers who learned how to code in school versus self-taught ones can vary depending on several factors. It's important to note that both paths can lead to successful careers in programming, and the value of formal education versus self-learning can differ from person to person. Here are some considerations: Structured Learning: School-based programming education often provides a structured curriculum, covering fundamental concepts and offering a comprehensive understanding of programming principles. This structured approach can be beneficial for individuals who prefer a guided learning experience. Depth of Knowledge: Formal education programs typically cover a wide range of topics and provide in-depth knowledge in specific areas of programming. This depth of knowledge can be advantageous when working on complex projects or specialized fields within programming. Networking Opportunities: Schools often offer networking opportunities with fellow students, professors, and industry professionals. Building relationships and connections within the programming community can lead to collaborations, mentorships, and career opportunities. Credentials and Recognition: Formal education can provide credentials such as degrees or certifications that are recognized by employers. These credentials can sometimes carry weight during job applications and provide a level of assurance regarding the individual's skills and knowledge. On the other hand, self-taught programmers also have their own strengths: Flexibility and Autonomy: Self-taught programmers have the freedom to choose their learning resources, pace, and focus areas. This flexibility allows them to explore their specific interests and adapt their learning journey to their own needs. Practical Experience: Self-taught programmers often gain practical experience by working on real-world projects, participating in open-source communities, or contributing to personal coding projects. This hands-on experience can be highly valuable when applying for jobs or building a portfolio. Adaptability and Continuous Learning: Given the fast-paced nature of the programming field, self-taught programmers may be more accustomed to continuous learning and adapting to new technologies. They often develop a growth mindset and are proactive in keeping up with industry trends and advancements. Ultimately, success in programming is determined by a combination of factors, including technical skills, problem-solving abilities, creativity, and dedication to continuous learning. Both school-educated and self-taught programmers can excel in their careers if they have a passion for programming, a willingness to learn, and a strong work ethic. It's important to choose the learning path that aligns with your goals, learning style, and available resources.

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