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Plus, it turns out that many of those self-avowed "experts" are, in fact, dumbasses.
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Marc Clifton wrote: That's sort of contradictory - if he/she has vast depth and breadth of experience, then that seems to imply they would know the main technology.
How so? He might be well-versed in the problem domain, yet a complete programming n00b (or vice versa).
However, yeah, depends on how I stand ith the project.
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peterchen wrote: How so? He might be well-versed in the problem domain, yet a complete programming n00b (or vice versa).
Because nowadays, being a domain expert, at least in my opinion, isn't a narrow thing anymore. The same is true in mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, etc. - to be an expert in a field, you actually have to work with multiple domains. For example, I can't be an expert in web development without knowing at least one (though several is better!) server-side web language and framework as well as Javascript, Ajax, JQuery, most likely some database stuff including SQL, and of course CSS. This doesn't even begin to address the different technology stacks on top of the core components.
And also in my experience, I've worked with several PhD people that were though of to be well versed in the problem domain and created all sorts of complex equations in higher order math that, you know what, reduced down to a lookup table in one case. Frankly, because of the only way they could think was within the confines of their "domain", their thinking was limited and in fact horribly inefficient, and that to me means that the person is actually not well-versed in the problem domain!
Marc
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If someone no longer wants to learn they are no longer interested and more likely not going to adapt to change.
Suggest they retire and make space for those who do have the desire to develop/progress/evolve.
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I hire developers regularly to work with me on my teams. When partnering/hiring for a specific project I am fine with a domain expert (which usually means they ARE good at learning - they just don't want to right now - how else did they become an expert in a fast changing field - yes there ARE experts). But I were looking longer term I'd go with the person with the learning attitude and track record of learning quickly. So for THIS question - I answered: the expert.
peter horwood aka Madman Pierre, VP Development, Asset Pro Solutions Inc.
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That's the thing right there.
It feels like not the most politically correct answer but it's what I've been trying to express in my previous comments.
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long term? Everything is so Agile and short sighted these days. Quick and dirty
dev
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So many of us tend to come off like we know more than we actually do. Most of us Google topics daily because we don't know or forgot how to do something (which means we don't know it). We always need to be excited about learning and always willing to learn something new.
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My manager has kept on assigning me to work with a specific co-worker (name withheld to protect the innocent)... He does almost nothing to do anything with the software development projects... Just slackening (surfing) and using his "boss mode" (data storage server - web-based version) whenever he hears anyone walking toward his office. He tends to wait for me to complete my tasks then hand over his tasks to me. All he does was to "give command", nod his head, and looking "busy" at his office. ARGH!
I rather to work with someone who has good knowledge (like other co-worker who has been seriously working on the project with me - but now is in other group  )
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The option should really say "Neither. I'll do his/her part of the project myself.", or the indeterminate "their" rather than assuming the male pronoun.
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No; "his" is correct. "Their" is incorrect for an individual.
Even better would be for it to say, "I work alone".
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Can't tell if serious or trolling.
Just in case: "Lighten up, Francis"
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1) Someone who doesn't want to learn is trouble in this business. Change is the one constant.
2) An outsider, technology-wise, can bring a fresh perspective and perhaps new techniques for accomplishing the task at hand, as well as bringing fresh, naïve eyes to the code review.
3) It's lonely working alone, truly.
Therefore, I choose the learner.
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You might reconsider if you have 2 weeks, or any other limited amount of time compared to the work to be done, to finish the project.
Then you should pick the guy that already know all about the job and start writing code without any further delays.
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That's a good point, Alex.
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Considering that rapid rate of change that our industry moves at I don't personally believe in experts of technology. I do however believe in experts in learning or at the very least people who embrace change and the challenge of always learning new things.
you want something inspirational??
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I guess that makes you an expert in expertise ? ? ?
| "The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." - Albert Einstein | | "As far as we know, our computer has never had an undetected error." - Weisert | | "If you are searching for perfection in others, then you seek disappointment. If you are seek perfection in yourself, then you will find failure." - Balboos HaGadol Mar 2010 |
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Fortunately, it wasn't on a project. I taught myself VAX Macro Assembler.
He saw it was interesting and had me teach him: he picked it up quickly and we used to code competitively for the fun of it. Also used to hack the VAX cluster (buggy booger). Good memories.
It was with him that we took on Swords of Glass. Later, the first five or six Might and Magic.
"Time it was, and what a time it was, it was
A time of innocence, a time of confidences
Long ago, it must be, I have a photograph
Preserve your memories, they're all that's left you" - Paul Simon
| "The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." - Albert Einstein | | "As far as we know, our computer has never had an undetected error." - Weisert | | "If you are searching for perfection in others, then you seek disappointment. If you are seek perfection in yourself, then you will find failure." - Balboos HaGadol Mar 2010 |
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Are you saying you helped write the early M&M games?
If so, well done - they were good for their time (and still on my current PC thanks to GOG.com  )
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OriginalGriff wrote: Are you saying you helped write the early M&M games?
Oh No! I wish!
We played as a team - just somehow the topic led me off-topic.
| "The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." - Albert Einstein | | "As far as we know, our computer has never had an undetected error." - Weisert | | "If you are searching for perfection in others, then you seek disappointment. If you are seek perfection in yourself, then you will find failure." - Balboos HaGadol Mar 2010 |
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I've been there. I spent all my time transferring the content of my brain and the other three spent most of their time absorbing what I told them. Upshot was that this four-man team managed to perform the equivalent of one man-day per day.
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But for a long run project, the productivity will eventually start to ramp up. Just need to spent more time to do code review with them at the beginning.
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I should have added that this was specifically a short-duration team added to my one-man project to try to reduce the development overrun. A classic case of adding manpower to a failing project (cf. The Mythical Man Month, which I had read by then).
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I'd add condition: There is enough time to include the new partner.
Or: The project is at the very beginning.
I've read "The mythical man month" when it was primary issued, so the graph of connecting the new member to the burning project is printed in the memory.
My English is permanently under construction. Be patient !!
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