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How to talk about Data Structures

I’ve been interviewing lately for “senior programmer” positions. I find it outright astonishing how many applicants for these positions lack what I would consider the most fundamental of programming skills. Some people have suggested using FizzBuzz (a trivial programming exercise) as a filter; what I use is a discussion of data structures. more…

A Creaky Old Man’s Defense of Creaky old Code

I’m beginning to wonder whether I’m turning into an “old fogey” of a computer programmer. You know, the elderly fellow who has an office near the server room; the one who always objects to the use of any new technology and goes on at length about “the good old days” — you know, back when Real Programmers punched their cards out by hand. more…