Programming
the Week of January 20, 2015
In this issue, we explore the culture and politics of programming, software development and engineering teams. We discuss how industry monoculture affects the future of computing, analyze hacker mythologies and critique the rise of code schools. We look at biases and stereotypes about programming languages, and learn about how engineering management models impact workplace diversity. Plus, dysfunction in the computer science pipeline, and the true motivations behind the learn to code movement. Photo CC-BY Zach Dischner, filtered.
Exclusion and Exceptionality in the Pipeline
In computer science classrooms across high schools and universities, minorities are excluded and exit early in the pipeline.
On “Learn to Code”
Should industry be allowed to dictate our school curriculums?
The Code School-Industrial Complex
While some code schools are intentionally predatory institutions, many more simply recycle the tired tropes and biased practices rampant in startup culture.
Engineering Management and Diversity
Command-based vs service-based management.
Monoculture and the Future of Hardware
Hardware is too often ignored when it comes to improving inclusivity.
C is Manly, Python is for “n00bs”: How False Stereotypes Turn Into Technical “Truths”
We need to question our “objective” and “technical” opinions about programming languages.
