The Psychology of Computer Programming

What a programmer of the 00’s can learn from the 70’s

By Dan Stewartwww.StewShack.com

The Psychology of Computer Programming

By Gerald M Weinberg, 1971ISBN: 0-932633-42-0

Still relevant today?

Practice Egoless Programming

• There is a “myth that the best programming is the product of genius”

• Productivity is increased when programmers don’t “own” programs

• “Personality is more important than intelligence in programming”

• “Admit weakness”

Be Agile

• Programming is a “cyclic, or iterative” process• “Who has not experienced a problem

definition that changes as discoveries are made”

• “At the required date, all the definitions are in the hands of the project manger – but that does not mean that the project is defined.All it means is that the definitions are in the hands of the project manger”

Traits of a Successful Programmer

• “Ability to tolerate stressful situations”• “Adaptable to rapid change”• “Neatness”• “Humility”• “Assertiveness”

Learn how to Learn

• Be motivated• Learn concepts then details• Computer education is irrelevant without

computer training• “Be willing to make mistakes”• Try different methods of learning (books,

audio, video, in-person), and see what works

Thank You

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