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Plenty of Dijkstra's points remain relevant today. My favourite (and I completely agree): "Besides a mathematical inclination, an exceptionally good mastery of

by mwg66 16y ago

Plenty of Dijkstra's points remain relevant today. My favourite (and I completely agree): "Besides a mathematical inclination, an exceptionally good mastery of one's native tongue is the most vital asset of a competent programmer."

nathanb 16y ago
But even this one seems to be disproven by example. Some of the best programmers I know are exceptionally slovenly in their written language. I strongly suspect that this list of "uncomfortable truths" is intended to illustrate that a competent programmer looks, for all intents and purposes, like ewd himself.
- mwg66 16y ago
  I disagree. I seldom meet a talented programmer who isn't able to articulate themselves very well.
  - nathanb 16y ago
    There's a difference between "able to articulate well" and "exceptional mastery of one's native tongue".
    - mwg66 16y ago
      Indeed. But I can't help but think that is the point he was making.