With Jake Yesbeck: On Getting Lucky, Mastery and the Fundamentals

With Jake Yesbeck: On Getting Lucky, Mastery and the Fundamentals

Author: Noah Gibbs September 14, 2020 Duration: 54:57

Jake and I talk about basically just getting lucky... And also about mastery and understanding the fundamentals of computer science. We talk about university and how it works well for some things (theory, longer-term understanding) and poorly for others (basic how-to-build understanding.)

We also talk about the semi-lost art of whiteboard interviewing and how to prep for it if you have way too much time on your hands. And the idea that there are only so many approaches to problems in the world. And maybe a bit about how much better it would be to be a coding recluse in a cave in Norway.

For show notes, links, comments and transcripts see https://justtheusefulbits.com/jake-yesbeck-on-getting-lucky-mastery-and-the-fundamentals


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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