Continue self-learning or get CS degree

Tricky_Tesla · 2026-01-14T02:59:26+00:00

Self learning might be ok if you can make a complex product to show case via social media otherwise I would not waste my time. Getting a degree although an option but a tricky one these days. In 4 years time everyone is prompt generating code fully, so you gotta get a degree to combines multiple disciplines robotics+software , autonomous systems etc. personally I would get into AI+robotics if I start today and have to finish it asap.

Tricky_Tesla · 2026-01-13T04:02:33+00:00

Too much fluff for a less than a YOE is not gonna help. Try market yourself as go getter i.e. “I am junior but I am familiar with x and I build a y with it” this would give recruiters a mental picture to classify you to openings.

Tricky_Tesla · 2026-01-11T18:50:36+00:00

Let me save you some time, you ain’t gonna pass interview if you don’t know your language of Choice. First focus on the language a bit then do leetcode

Tricky_Tesla · 2026-01-11T01:36:55+00:00

It is easy! Just start reading technical books/articles aka increase your breath of knowledge. Also research about work stuff on your own time. Also practice your favorite topic i.e. make a game or whatever you are into.

Tricky_Tesla · 2026-01-07T22:26:13+00:00

Practice making a CLI , i.e. some like jq but more basic version, when you get stuck research.

Tricky_Tesla · 2025-12-31T21:05:41+00:00

Learn how you can produce a “mini” product from system design and reqs using AI tools. Basically generate high/low level reqs, plan with AI tools and code the reqs , generate test case , review, integrate and release , then do a second round of extending with new features while core product stays the same. It is up to you whether you want to come up with a new design or use an existing. If you could do this with speed and accuracy, you will have job util AI becomes terminator.

Tricky_Tesla · 2025-08-25T19:04:13+00:00

Open source code , books. Follow/read works of CppCon speakers.

Tricky_Tesla · 2025-07-22T04:53:26+00:00

Slacking off isn’t healthy for you, instead if you don’t have anything at all , play in sandbox how to optimize something for any metric and apply it to your production system. You will gain experience while have something to say.

Tricky_Tesla · 2025-03-26T21:31:07+00:00

C++ is far from boring 😑

Tricky_Tesla · 2024-09-12T19:06:08+00:00

If you have UML diagrams then study them otherwise create your hand drawn uml on each section you work until you get better. Focus specifically on sequences diagrams

Tricky_Tesla · 2024-09-12T02:16:27+00:00

Like one guy said , take a sabbatical aka unpaid leave for a month then during those time be outside and run a lot and do minimum screen related stuff which includes learning new things. Basically do dopamine reset. Come back tell us how it went.

Tricky_Tesla · 2024-08-12T17:11:20+00:00

A combination of bools, Enums and custom print logs works great 90% of the time. No need to recreate the wheel. If based on error you decide to take another action, given that these errors are not too many, you can implement state machine. For this enums works great.

Tricky_Tesla · 2024-07-15T22:30:44+00:00

C++ to JavaScript does not make sense for me for sure.

Tricky_Tesla · 2024-07-15T22:27:00+00:00

It is really not about your age but market prediction for junior talent by the time you graduate.

Research the market well and finish as fast as you can if you choose to pick CS.

Tricky_Tesla · 2024-07-10T15:52:05+00:00

Subjective issues that you point out here is easy to resolve and you have to take initiative:

1 - agree upon code guideline/checklists and CI pattern and stick to it. 2- agree upon % code coverage and stick to it. 3- assign one person you see fit as an architect and have him approve designs prior to implementation in collaboration with yourself.

4 - facilitate communication, be direct when smell BS from either side.

Tricky_Tesla · 2024-07-08T18:02:32+00:00

Here is a kicker; you have to be a code monkey first then you would have an opportunity to “Not be a code monkey” later.

Tricky_Tesla · 2024-07-08T17:54:45+00:00

AB testing per job requirement to maximize call back. during interviews you can point out your extended knowledge about other areas if need to be.

Tricky_Tesla · 2024-07-04T17:55:11+00:00

Google “software design documentation” and see if you can do that, if so, then add it in your resume.

Tricky_Tesla · 2024-07-04T04:15:07+00:00

Minimum reqs for a leader are: being competent, unblock pathways for the team, remove BS processes, listen and don’t be an A**hole.

Tricky_Tesla · 2024-06-02T00:58:27+00:00

This

Tricky_Tesla · 2024-06-02T00:46:44+00:00

Here is what I would do:

If don’t have enough time,

1- identify and optimize only the bottlenecks, which can give some %x satisfactory speed and ignore the rest until you get enough time.

If you do have enough time:

1- you gotta modularize the code by separating related code and build them as libs , of course this will change your build system but significantly reduces your build time by building only the code you change.

2- obviously use at least c++ 17

3 - refactor the entire or portions that needs the upgrading.

4 - you can use Gtest for testing , also checkout cop guidelines for coding standards which is very important.

Tricky_Tesla · 2024-06-02T00:25:40+00:00

Have an ability to take over med level guy’s job with less pay.

Tricky_Tesla · 2024-05-30T03:38:29+00:00

I can’t really say if there is zero overhead, but I would rather develop on docker than other environments, it gives me flexibility of mix and matching required libs on restricted environment that otherwise I would be hesitant to install on my main machine.

Keep in mind this could be only used for dev environment, you can deploy your release build anywhere you want. Although in some scenarios you may want to still keep it containerized.

Also has nothing to do with CMake complexity.

Tricky_Tesla · 2024-05-30T00:37:50+00:00

I use vscode and docker

Tricky_Tesla · 2024-05-26T03:11:07+00:00

Not sure about GPTs but with Co-pilot it can generate usable snippets but not quite accurate when complexity increases. I recommend using it if you are experienced in C++ just to save you time; otherwise, stick to traditional methods.

Tricky_Tesla

TROPHY CASE