With Chris Seaton: On Ph.Ds and Software Apprenticeships

With Chris Seaton: On Ph.Ds and Software Apprenticeships

Author: Noah Gibbs February 23, 2021 Duration: 1:01:39

Chris Seaton, founder of TruffleRuby, talks with me about getting a computer science Ph.D, how learning compilers is necessarily like an old-style apprenticeship, and a near-the-metal view of complex algorithms for computation.

For show notes and links see: For show notes, links and comments see https://justtheusefulbits.com/jtub/chris-seaton-on-phds-and-software-apprenticeships/


Noah Gibbs hosts Computer Science: Just the Useful Bits, a podcast that cuts through the academic clutter to focus on practical theory. This isn't about abstract proofs or textbook memorization; it's about which concepts actually matter when you're building software. Each episode takes a specific idea-whether it's a classic algorithm, a method of analysis, or a foundational data structure-and puts it under a pragmatic lens. The central question is always about application: where is this genuinely useful in a modern development context, and where is it perhaps an intellectual exercise that rarely pays off? You'll hear informed opinions grounded in professional experience, dissecting the real-world value of computer science principles. The discussion goes beyond simple utility to explore the "why" and "where," helping you build a more effective and relevant mental toolkit. For developers who want their knowledge to translate directly into better code and clearer problem-solving, this podcast provides a focused, no-nonsense resource. It’s for anyone who has ever wondered if the theory they learned is still applicable or if they're missing something crucial that others find indispensable. Tune in for a straightforward conversation that separates the essential bits from the merely interesting, all aimed at making you a more capable and confident programmer.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 26

Computer Science: Just the Useful Bits
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