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I often hear how using how using less mainstream and more difficult to learn (as in requires some mind warping if coming from more mainstream language) language
by emp 12y ago
I often hear how using how using less mainstream and more difficult to learn (as in requires some mind warping if coming from more mainstream language) languages acts as a filter that will leave more capable programmers to choose from, even if there are less of them.
Does anyone know if there have been studies to back this up? Or studies that back up the above comment.
My experience is that programmers who enjoy warping their minds with something different tend to be more capable, or at the very least, up for a challenge. Would be nice to see something else than anecdotes.
- lhc- 12y agoI would agree that in my personal experience, those people do tend to be quite intelligent. However, I have not found them to be more productive (and in some cases, they seem to be less productive, because they spend so much time fiddling and tweaking instead of just finishing things).
- lostcolony 12y agoBut is that short or long term? That is, is their fiddling and tweaking just code masturbation, or is it actually leading to a better product? Do they produce less in a given amount of time, but that product is more solid, robust, extensible and maintainable than their peers? That may be a worthwhile tradeoff to many businesses.
- ALee 12y agoThis is similar to the PhD filter. You have to find folks who have the right balance between theory and practice.