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Computer Science has about as much to do with software engineering as astronomy does with telescopes.
by kinda_dijkstra 6y ago
Computer Science has about as much to do with software engineering as astronomy does with telescopes.
- _russross 6y agoI think that overstates the difference. I think a better analogy is architects vs. construction workers. Any decent architect will have a pretty strong understanding of the realities of construction, and an experienced construction worker who has moved around through different trades could probably design a decent house. But you'd only trust a trained architect on bigger, more complex projects, and you'd want disciplined, experienced construction workers doing the work on anything that is meant to last.
- amelius 6y agoThis only makes the problem more difficult, as software architects also exist.
- carapace 6y agoThe version I heard is "Calling it 'computer science' is like calling surgery 'knife science'." (Good day for Dijkstra quips on HN today.)
- 908B64B197 6y agoMaybe in the 1800's. Today cutting edge astronomy isn't that removed from telescope design. Understanding how the instrument works and it's limitations is pretty much essential to understand the data it produces.