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• @AmenZwa@mathstodon.xyz 2026-09-26 18:54

  @darkuncle@infosec.exchange @skewray@mathstodon.xyz Ya know mate, back in the early 80s, most CS-trained programmers were “generalists”, simply because general, system programming was a “specialist” domain. That broad-based, general exposure was particularly valuable to young practitioners who, as a specialist in later life, can draw from a mass of past experiences. Today, those who portray themselves as broad-based practitioners use the label “full-stack”—yeah, web only; go figure. Once, on behalf of a client, I interviewed a tech lead candidate, who touted himself as a “one-stop shop”, “know everything expert” in all things systems design and development. I always start interviews by asking questions with easy, simple answers, so as to acclimate the candidate to the process and to establish a rapport with him. Given the system-oriented nature of the work, I asked this senior-level candidate to describe at a high level how a computer boots up, willing to accept even a hand-wavy response, so as to move the process along. I got a blank stare.🤦‍♂️

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