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Software Engineers are Craftspeople, not Scientists

May 4, 2018

Most software developers are engineers and craftspeople, not computer scientists. By nature, we don’t deal with the cutting edge of computer science; we hang way back from new research and implement what is tried and true.

When you think you’ve invented a completely novel data structure, algorithm, or design pattern, chances are you probably didn’t; you just rediscovered something a computer scientist described decades ago.

Don’t fall in love with your “invention”. Instead, take the opportunity to find other experienced engineers or scientists who can help you learn more about exactly what it is you’ve rediscovered.

You will probably learn of shortcomings in your technique you didn’t know about. And if you’re really lucky, you’ll find an even better way of solving your problem.