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I have delved into the theoretical side of computer science, learning about lower-level languages such as C, experiencing faint tastes of web programming, and m

I have delved into the theoretical side of computer science, learning about lower-level languages such as C, experiencing faint tastes of web programming, and more recently, an introduction to the beauty of recursion in functional programming languages like OCaml... but I know I haven’t experienced that “hacker” oriented style of programming that I was hoping for through Harvard. You keep using that word, I do not think it means what you think it means.

Perdition 13y ago
Exactly my thought. People don't get taught to be hackers (at least not by schools), they either have the desire and aptitude to go beyond school work or they don't. Places like Harvard and MIT produce hackers because of the students they attract, not because they teach "hacker oriented programming". Zuckerberg didn't study "Social media websites 101" he hacked together a project in his spare time.
evangastman 13y ago
I'd like to clarify some things that are not clear in the post. I am finding a lot of value in the CS courses I am taking in their rigor and the way they are changing how I think about problems. I also feel like I am in the company of some incredibly smart, talented, and driven people. I feel awfully fortunate to be in the position I am in. This all said, I also think that being able to build hackable and scalable projects is really powerful, and that the education I want meshes these areas together- instruction directed towards the theory as well as with the projects.