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I think the proper word already exists since ages and it's "polymath" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polymath http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polymath
by crocowhile 15y ago
I think the proper word already exists since ages and it's "polymath" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polymath http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polymath
- beaumartinez 15y ago| In less formal terms, a polymath (or polymathic person) may simply be someone who is very knowledgeable. It's not specific to the coding field.
- stonemetal 15y agoNor is the term hacker(in the positive sense). In the negative sense it seems to be reserved for coding.
- scarlson 15y agohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tech_Model_Railroad_Club http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tech_Model_Railroad_Club Neither is "Hacker".
- JoachimSchipper 15y agoNo, you can e.g. spend 12 hours a day hacking some OS kernel and credibly call yourself a hacker. Being a polymath requires a much wider background.
- crocowhile 15y agoI don't agree. A hacker is first of all characterized by the desire of knowledge and has little to do with coding itself. I don't believe that coding OS kernel all day is sufficient to call yourself hacker indeed.
- marshray 15y agoYou could be a "kernel hacker" though, particularly if you're working on kernel-mode device drivers without support from the hardware vendor. To me, a "hacker" is someone who is involved in finding ways to get systems to perform in a manner outside the intention of its design. E.g., hotrodders could be considered car hackers.