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How do you identify a good programmer if you don't know programming ?
by vorador 17y ago
How do you identify a good programmer if you don't know programming ?
- dschobel 17y agoA track record of producing good products would be my instinctive answer were I a non-technical person. But since I'm a technical person, I'd ask them why manhole covers are round.
- jderick 17y agoAnd hope they laugh and refer to Feynman
- coffeemug 17y agoIt's not immediately clear to me that technical people are any better at identifying good programmers than non-technical ones.
- geebee 17y agoSome technical people are probably worse at identifying good programmers than non-technical ones. But overall, I'd say that the very best people at identifying good programmers have a strong technical background. However, would agree that the situation is hardly hopeless for non-technical folks. After all, as far as I know, Jason Fried didn't have a strong programming background, and he ended up with DHH. I also agree with your top post. While it would be nice to have 10 years of software experience or the technical background to evaluate programming talent, you can still succeed by identifying and partnering with talented people.
- vorador 17y agoBut, would you say the same for a doctor ?
- protomyth 17y agoOne of my friends had this as an interview question "What was the last thing you programmed that wasn't for work or school?" He was looking for any answer and some enthusiasm. Might not work for everybody, but it was a neat question.
- aswanson 17y agoThe best programmers I've run into always have interesting side projects. Without fail.