Hard-to-swallow truths they won't tell you about software engineer job (mensurdurakovic.com)

Article summary

The article discusses the realities of being a software engineer, highlighting the differences between the perceived ideal and the actual experience. It lists 10 hard-to-swallow truths, including the lack of preparation provided by college, the rarity of greenfield projects, and the importance of soft skills. The author emphasizes that the job is not just about writing clean code, but also about generating value for users and working with others. The article aims to provide a realistic view of the profession for new graduates and students.

Main themes

• Software engineering realities
• College preparation
• Legacy codebases
• Soft skills
• Job challenges
• Clean code and code quality
• Career growth and development

What commenters say

• College education does not fully prepare students for the software engineering job, but it provides a baseline to build upon.
• Legacy codebases can be challenging, but also provide opportunities for learning and growth.
• Soft skills, such as communication and teamwork, are crucial for success in software engineering.
• The perception of software engineering as a hard job is relative and depends on individual experiences and comparisons with other professions.
• Some commenters disagree with the article's negative tone, citing their own positive experiences with legacy codebases and college preparation.
• Others emphasize the importance of clean code and code quality, not just for users, but also for future maintainers and colleagues.
• The value of a college degree in software engineering is debated, with some arguing that it is not necessary, while others see it as providing a foundation for future learning.
• The article's points are seen as lacking nuance, with some commenters pointing out that experiences can vary greatly depending on the company, team, and individual circumstances.