The Changing Face of Software Development

CowboyRobot sends this excerpt from Dr. Dobb's: "Ten years of surveys show an influx of younger developers, more women, and personality profiles at odds with traditional stereotypes. Software development is an art and a science that is not attainable for just anyone. It takes a special type of person to write code. Developers are detail-oriented, very literal, and intelligent. Logic is paramount, and they share a passion for their craft that rises above the desire to make more money. They are also typically married, middle-aged, have children, and most likely a mortgage. In one of a series of surveys that we've performed every six months since 2001 (interviewing each time more than 1400 developers worldwide), we find the typical developer is a married, middle-aged male, who has two to three children. Males have dominated the profession for as long we've been tracking this; and during that time, they have accounted for anywhere from 84% to 94% of the workforce. The number of male developers is currently close to the low, at 86%, which might indicate more females are taking up programming."

Re:Introverts

[Bigbutt]

It's true. Until a couple of years ago when I attended an Insights class provided by work, I thought Introvert == Loner. Since I'm somewhat social, I couldn't understand how I could be an 18/20 Introvert and be social. When it was explained that it just meant I gain energy by being away from people, it made a lot more sense. I don't mind going around and chatting, but I get tired and even a headache when I associate with folks more than a few hours or if I'm in a crowded room (like a game store during a Magic tournament :) ).

[John]

Re:Stereotypes in IT

[Grishnakh]

That can't be changed, because it's part of America's culture and Americans' hatred of intellectualism. Culture can be changed, but only when there's a strong push to do so, like with gay rights where a minority shames the majority into changing its ways by pointing out their immorality. That's not going to happen with geeks, because they're generally well-paid and they're not forced into that profession by birth, so they're not seen as an oppressed group. A bunch of geeks having "geek pride" parades and complaining loudly that they don't get laid enough isn't going to be taken seriously. It'd be better for geeks to simply move to places where they're more accepted, and let the places they left suffer.

Re:Offense ahoy!

[Gavrielkay]

As a software developer and a woman, I can say I hope more women find their way into the field. I have worked with a number of other women and find them to be on average just a capable as the men. As far as "rock stars" go, I have yet to meet one at all. I've met a few who thought they were, but mostly they were just egotistical and unwilling to work in a group and follow the rules. I think you'll find fewer women in that category because as a mindset, we're probably less likely to do vigilante coding and hope that someone sees it as awesome.

I understand there are some truly great programmers out there, people who come up with clever solutions to difficult problems. But the lone wolf guy who feels the rest of the team is just holding him back - he may look like a rock star, but he's really just a jerk.