This article explains why I think self-taught programmers should (must) learn about software engineering.
I am a self-taught programmer.
I am a self-taught programmer. However, I did computer science in high school. Pascal was the first programming language I learned. After I completed high school, I got a job at a Web Development company. I continued to teach myself various web application development skills from books, internet tutorials, and work experience.
Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.
In Barry Boehm’s article “A View of 20th and 21st Century Software Engineering.”
He begins with the following statement, George Santayana’s statement, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it,” is only half true. The past also includes successful histories. If you haven’t been made aware of them, you’re often condemned not to repeat their successes. This statement made me realise the importance of Software Engineering and why I need to learn about Software Engineering.
What is Software Engineering
Software engineering is the application of a systematic, disciplined,
quantifiable approach to the development, operation, and maintenance
of software; that is, the application of engineering to software.
What resources to use to learn about Software Engineering
- A View of 20th and 21st Century Software Engineering – Barry Boehm
- Software Engineering Principles and Practices – Hans Van Vliet
Conclusion
At the minimum, my suggestion is to read Barry Boehm’s article “A View of 20th and 21st Century Software Engineering.” Perhaps you may try to enrol for a Software Engineering course.
Other Resources
My suggestion is to look at the Joburg Centre for Software Engineering (JCSE), an official Centre at Wits University if you are from South Africa. They offer a CPD in Software Engineering.
