AKA is programming headed the way of auto-mechanics or civil engineering?

By this, I mean to draw parallels between software development and the fields of auto-mechanics and civil engineering. Both currently and in the future.

What do I mean by civil engineering?

By civil engineering I mean a market that requires all employees to be highly trained or have spent alot of time training to be a civil engineer.

What do I mean by auto-mechanic?

By auto-mechanic I mean a market that requires many more employees then civil engineering. Also, one can become proficient as an auto-mechanic with much less training then required for a civil engineering degree.

This also brings up the issue of what each market does. Cars are considered along the same line as appliances, not so cheap, but plentiful. Buildings, bridges and other civil engineering projects tend to be, very complex and sparse in comparison to cars.

The current state of software development

--as seen through my (acolyte)eyes

Currently, I feel that sofware development is a complex field that requires specialized knowledge of computers and software. People can and do teach themselves how to program, but I would bet most programmers have some sort of continuining education. Therefore, the software development currently parallels civil engineering moreso then auto-mechanics.

The future of software development

--once again, largely based on my opinions

I feel that computers will quickly parallel the widespread usage of the car. In doing so, programing languages will continue to evolve to a higher and higher level, especially considering the falling cost of processing power. Eventually, it will mirror the automotive industy. A few (comparitevly) auto engineers designing cars and a large number of auto mecanics repairing or tinkering with cars. Most programmers will be less educated and more self-taught. This will drive salaries down for most, save the designers.

Summary

mostly a way to preserve and furthur my thoughts

How accurate do you think my statements are? Where do you feel software development will head towards? Just imagine the point we get to when everyone will be able to design software and not be limited by the computer :). -- Ben

In reply to The future of software design by bprew

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