I agree, non-algorithmic work is the vast majority of programming work today because most of it is related to Application Programming. The reason for this is t

I agree, non-algorithmic work is the vast majority of programming work today because most of it is related to Application Programming. The reason for this is that most Application Programming emphasizes the use and sufficient knowledge of a framework, rather than a full understanding of CS fundamentals. While those with CS have a head start in understanding frameworks quickly and utilizing them effectively, self-taught programmers can catch up rather quickly if the framework is well written and geared towards them. And fast majority of frameworks trend towards this. Application programmers generally need to know the ins and outs of a framework and this knowledge often carries them further than the fundamentals. All that being said, after 10 years of application programming, I'm slowly trying to re-learn much of my CS material out of my own personal interest and get off the framework treadmill. It's been a fun process to rediscover fundamentals after learning them over 10 years ago. But let's be realistic about it, most app programmers have no interest in CS fundamentals or theory unless it has some direct context to their daily work.