Much as I like this thread, I think that the distinction between autodidact and course-taught programmers (which trs80's node doesn't touch, but most of the responses take for granted) is bogus. For instance, I started programming (and learning about programming, which sadly isn't always the same thing) well before I took any formal courses on it, but I'm most of the way through a rather intense CS degree. Where does that put me?

If we take an autodidact to be someone who's willing to learn on their own, then a hell of a lot of CS students are autodidacts. In my case, I've either gotten interested in a topic, taught myself about it, and taken courses on it (computer graphics, for instance), or I've taken a likely looking course, gotten interested, and kept reading and learning well after writing the final (AI). In both cases, taking courses and learning independently is far more effective than doing either by itself.

• The autodidact who disdains formal learning is misguided at best. Universities are wonderful places to learn about programming: the facilities are excellent, the profs are knowledgeable and motivated, and the material will broaden your mind.
• The course-taught programmer who disdains autodidactics is misguided at best. Learning by reading and doing gives you practical experience as well as theoretical knowledge, and lets you focus on what you find fun.
• You won't have to tell a good programmer to learn: they're already doing it.

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:wq