This is one of the things I love the most about Software Engineering: It is really possible to learn everything relevant, and more importantly apply that knowle

This is one of the things I love the most about Software Engineering: It is really possible to learn everything relevant, and more importantly apply that knowledge and experiment with it by self-study. This is pretty unique in STEM fields other than Math...and the difference there is, that it's much much much easier to get a job as a SE sans degree than as a mathematician. Sure, one could read tons of books about Biochemistry...but applying that knowledge? No chance, you need a lab. One can self-study mechanical engineering, but good luck building a workshop. Its not impossible, but the cost is just too prohibitive. What do I need to start learning how to write software? An old laptop for a couple hundred bucks and internet access. That's it.