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I like the attitude, but it is not so simple. Take a look at the other replies, from people with more experience on the engineering side (rather than CS), and y

by zatara 16y ago

I like the attitude, but it is not so simple. Take a look at the other replies, from people with more experience on the engineering side (rather than CS), and you'll quickly realize that self-study/hacking can only get you so far. It wouldn't be different for, let's say, surgery... The matter here is trying to get to expert level while minimizing stupid mistakes, and for practical subjects, demo and feedback seems to be necessary. Making all possible mistakes is very time-consuming.

jey 16y ago
The difference between software and surgery is that in surgery you can make unfixable mistakes. Not so in software, unless your program is controlling a Therac-25 or something. The key thing to realize is that even when you go to school to learn, they can't possibly teach you "everything". You still have to learn a lot on your own after graduating.