2012-10-03

Do You Really Want to be Doing This When You're 50?

A former programmer reflects on the frustrations of modern software development, highlighting challenges like incomplete domain knowledge, complex APIs, and constant technological evolution. The author expresses preference for small, manageable programming projects while suggesting that high-pressure development may be better suited for younger developers.

Original archive.is archive.ph web.archive.org

Log in to get one-click access to archived versions of this article.

read comments on news aggregators:

Related articles

The Dead Planet Theory

Power Law dynamics show that a small percentage of people actively participate and drive outcomes across various domains, from social media to competitive games. By simply taking action and engaging in intentional training, individuals can quickly rise above the majority who remain passive observers. The concept extends to career advancement, social relationships, and personal development, where minimal consistent effort can lead to substantial advantages.

Solving SICP

A detailed analysis of solving the SICP problem set reveals it requires 729 hours over 8 months, involving 6 programming languages and 9 software tools, tracking time spent per exercise and difficulty distribution. The analysis provides valuable data on course workload estimation, student motivation tracking, and curriculum design improvements.

Effective Rust

A comprehensive guide presenting 35 specific methods to enhance Rust programming practices, covering essential topics from type systems to FFI boundaries. The guide is structured into six main sections, focusing on types, traits, concepts, dependencies, tooling, and advanced Rust features. Each item provides detailed insights for writing more effective and maintainable Rust code.

Smart Pointers Can't Solve Use-After-Free

Smart pointers in C++ cannot fully prevent use-after-free vulnerabilities due to internal raw pointers in types beyond user control. Examples with std::vector, std::span, and std::lock_guard demonstrate how iterator invalidation and pointer mismanagement can still lead to memory safety issues regardless of smart pointer usage.

I struggled with Git, so I'm making a game to spare others the pain

A developer created Devlands, a gamified 3D environment that makes learning Git more intuitive and accessible by allowing users to physically walk through their codebase. The project evolved from Git-Sim, incorporating voxel-based graphics and interactive tutorials to transform abstract Git concepts into tangible experiences.

Tips to debug hanging Go programs

A comprehensive guide explores debugging techniques for hanging Go programs, covering stack trace analysis with SIGQUIT, interactive debugging using Delve, and core dump collection for later analysis.

Knowing CSS is mastery to Frontend Development — Anselm Hannemann

A compelling argument for web developers to master fundamental languages like JavaScript and CSS rather than solely relying on frameworks and tools. Understanding core web technologies enables better debugging, optimization, and problem-solving capabilities, ultimately leading to more robust and maintainable applications.

How Flash games shaped the video game industry

Flash technology revolutionized game development from 1996 to 2020, providing an accessible platform that shaped modern gaming through experimentation and creative freedom. The platform enabled developers worldwide to create and share games instantly, fostering a vibrant community and launching countless careers in game development. Flash's legacy lives on through its influence on game design, indie development, and digital creativity.

The early days of Linux

A firsthand account of Linux's creation and early development by Lars Wirzenius, who witnessed Linus Torvalds' journey from writing a simple multitasking program to creating the Linux kernel in 1991. The kernel evolved from displaying alternating As and Bs on screen to becoming a global powerhouse running on billions of devices, including Mars rovers.

Distributed Systems Programming Has Stalled

An analysis of distributed systems programming models reveals limitations in current approaches: external-distribution, static-location, and arbitrary-location paradigms. Despite advancements in distributed systems over the last decade, programming models haven't fundamentally improved, leading to ongoing challenges with concurrency, fault tolerance, and versioning.