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> Debugging skills learned from software development are highly applicable for troubleshooting mechanical (car) and even medical problems so it's hard to take p

> Debugging skills learned from software development are highly applicable for troubleshooting mechanical (car) and even medical problems so it's hard to take professionals other fields seriously when they lack the same debugging ability. I'm positive it wasn't intentional, but you've done a fine job buttressing my argument.

umvi 3y ago
True or false: An above average software developer that is good at debugging probably really is better at troubleshooting mechanical or medical problems than an average or below average mechanic or doctor? So then the problem may be that average software developers overestimate their own ability ;)
- chefandy 3y ago
  > True or false: An above average software developer that is good at debugging probably really is better at troubleshooting mechanical or medical problems than an average or below average mechanic or doctor? > So then the problem may be that average software developers overestimate their own ability ;) Some really good evidence that the answer is "false" is that developers who think it's true will use a handful of personal experiences to levy sweeping judgements about millions of people in a vast array of disciplines, many of which tackle some of the hardest problems humanity has ever undertaken in fields that dwarf the complexity of computer science immeasurably.
- cornstalks 3y ago
  False. Definitely false. And I say this as an above average software developer (which sounds stupidly cocky to even say).
- hunter-gatherer 3y ago
  Are you being serious right now? Have you tallied the number of times you've outsmarted someone of another profession. Maybe you know more than you think you do about auto repair???
  - wolverine876 3y ago
    There's a strong bias toward confirmation. First, they fully expect it and are looking for it. Most of all, the actual professional - like any professional - has learned that it's unproductive to debate or educate the patient/customer; you just let them think they're smart and work around it. It's not your job to teach them the error of their ways, but to get your work done. In IT, I've had plenty of clients tell me the most ludicrous nonsense. You just work around it; IT is your job, not theirs; don't humiliate them. Be respectful to people; they have hard days too.
  - umvi 3y ago
    That's true, I haven't counted all the times the mechanic or doctor did their job well. I just tend to remember the times where they didn't do their job well. For example, my daughter had a rash, the doctor says to just put moisturizer on it. Doesn't seem to help so I research it for a few hours on google and conclude it's shingles. The doctor scoffs at my suggestion saying my daughter is way too young to have shingles and says to just continue with the moisturizer. We take her to a second doctor who confirms it's shingles. So yes, I would admit my anecdotes are probably a form of survivorship bias and I'm letting a few incompetent doctors and mechanics taint the ability of their peers.

umvi 3y ago

True or false: An above average software developer that is good at debugging probably really is better at troubleshooting mechanical or medical problems than an average or below average mechanic or doctor? So then the problem may be that average software developers overestimate their own ability ;)

chefandy 3y ago
> True or false: An above average software developer that is good at debugging probably really is better at troubleshooting mechanical or medical problems than an average or below average mechanic or doctor? > So then the problem may be that average software developers overestimate their own ability ;) Some really good evidence that the answer is "false" is that developers who think it's true will use a handful of personal experiences to levy sweeping judgements about millions of people in a vast array of disciplines, many of which tackle some of the hardest problems humanity has ever undertaken in fields that dwarf the complexity of computer science immeasurably.
cornstalks 3y ago
False. Definitely false. And I say this as an above average software developer (which sounds stupidly cocky to even say).
hunter-gatherer 3y ago
Are you being serious right now? Have you tallied the number of times you've outsmarted someone of another profession. Maybe you know more than you think you do about auto repair???
- wolverine876 3y ago
  There's a strong bias toward confirmation. First, they fully expect it and are looking for it. Most of all, the actual professional - like any professional - has learned that it's unproductive to debate or educate the patient/customer; you just let them think they're smart and work around it. It's not your job to teach them the error of their ways, but to get your work done. In IT, I've had plenty of clients tell me the most ludicrous nonsense. You just work around it; IT is your job, not theirs; don't humiliate them. Be respectful to people; they have hard days too.
- umvi 3y ago
  That's true, I haven't counted all the times the mechanic or doctor did their job well. I just tend to remember the times where they didn't do their job well. For example, my daughter had a rash, the doctor says to just put moisturizer on it. Doesn't seem to help so I research it for a few hours on google and conclude it's shingles. The doctor scoffs at my suggestion saying my daughter is way too young to have shingles and says to just continue with the moisturizer. We take her to a second doctor who confirms it's shingles. So yes, I would admit my anecdotes are probably a form of survivorship bias and I'm letting a few incompetent doctors and mechanics taint the ability of their peers.