Computer programming sucks!
OK, background:
I have never liked computers much. My dad and one of my brothers love them. I like it that I can download TV shows I like and all the porn you can eat, and use the web for research, beyond that I vary between apathy and hatred. Always have.
So, I picked this PhD to do, while ignoring the element of it which requires lots of programing. For most of my first year I got by on a little bit of writing shell scripts, and a little bit of C programming, which I can more or less understand and cope with.
It's pretty clear that I can't keep working like this. I need to at least have the ability to write some basic utilities. As such I'm looking at my supervisors code. Which is in C++.
C++ bites. It was clearly written in such a way as to appeal to the crack addicted or criminally insane. And the terminology!! Jesus fucking H. Christ. I make no great claims as to my command of the English language. Really. But I really do prefer it when you use words in such a way as to indicate what you're trying to say. And would it kill them to use everyday words for everyday concepts.
OK, I've just ordered a new textbook, so hopefully I'll get that relatively soon and it will be a lot better. Not sure it was such a bright idea to spend £15 just because I'm in a crappy mood, but what the fuck.
posted by A Nonny Mouse @ 6:03 pm
1 comments
1 Comments:
Hullo!
just an academic idly surfing in lunch hour and read your entry which seems oh-so-familiar.
I copped out of programming for my DPhil. I co-authored some stuff with a tecky person, and he did the main programming in the end. Sure, it meant I have a co-author, but its not against the regulations of most universities, and he programmed in a week what I would have done in a year. So maybe think about that? Finding someone else to help you out?
Its not worth struggling through the interminable, when all you want to do is make something. I also know people who have *paid* people to do the programming for them! As long as you specify in your thesis that this is the case, its above board. honest.
Keep at it. its worth it in the end (almost!)
cheers
Dr T.
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