I have programmed professionally for 45 years. I started programming as a Co-op student at Northeastern University before Computer Science degrees even existed. I have taught advanced techniques to Senior Software Engineers, C++ to adult students from Massasoit College (although not through the college) and I have also volunteered as a teaching assistant at Sharon High School for 22 years. The best part of my week was spent teaching at the High School.
Professionally, I have performed jobs as varied as designing a turn key funds transfer system for Citibank to providing security on the space shuttle. I have also designed the prototype of what is generally considered the finest digital pipe organ simulator in the world. (Currently residing in Trinity Church, Wall St. New York, NY.)
I enjoy leading students to understand the underlying principles of computers, often starting a class with a non-computer brain teaser to stimulate problem solving ability. Computer programming is both a craft and an art. It is more like being an author than an engineer because programmers deal with pure "thought stuff". By this I mean that any program will have many different possible methods of achieving its goal. Just as in writing a story or novel, some approaches will be elegant, some will be ugly. The craft is merely learning where to put the commas, the art is in understanding which approach is the best and why.
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