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  3. Developer's Age !

Developer's Age !

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  • K Kareem Shaker

    Hello, Just wanted to know if there are people out there willing to complete their lives in programming, in other words, how do you plan your career vs. your age, I have seen developers aged at 40s and 50s, do you think that the one should quit development at a certain age and shift to technical consultations or project management, and if you are old, and still into code, does this make you small or big ( I think it varies from one country to another ) ? Please share your experience here !

    Kareem Shaker http://cairocafe.blogspot.com

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    Stan Shannon
    wrote on last edited by
    #34

    I started programming professionally in my mid-30's precisely because it seemed to be something you could continue to do when you were too damned old to do anything else useful. All of the programmers I knew back in those days were all middle aged and seemed to be doing quite well. I challange the notion that programming is a profession for the young. In fact, it is an excellent occupation for older people. I intend to program until they find me dead at my keyboard sometime around age 95 or so.

    Pardon Libby!

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    • T The DevMan

      Dear I think the programming is very exhausting process, so I think the max age I can do this job is 35 after that I think team leading and project management will be more suitable for me. At last I would thank you for posting this interesting issue that I was in needs to here other voices about it. thank you Ahmed A. Korany

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      Christian Graus
      wrote on last edited by
      #35

      I am 38, and I disagree :-)

      Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++ "I am working on a project that will convert a FORTRAN code to corresponding C++ code.I am not aware of FORTRAN syntax" ( spotted in the C++/CLI forum )

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      • C Christian Graus

        I am 38, and I disagree :-)

        Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++ "I am working on a project that will convert a FORTRAN code to corresponding C++ code.I am not aware of FORTRAN syntax" ( spotted in the C++/CLI forum )

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        Paul Conrad
        wrote on last edited by
        #36

        How was it yesterday?

        "The clue train passed his station without stopping." - John Simmons / outlaw programmer

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        • K Kareem Shaker

          Hello, Just wanted to know if there are people out there willing to complete their lives in programming, in other words, how do you plan your career vs. your age, I have seen developers aged at 40s and 50s, do you think that the one should quit development at a certain age and shift to technical consultations or project management, and if you are old, and still into code, does this make you small or big ( I think it varies from one country to another ) ? Please share your experience here !

          Kareem Shaker http://cairocafe.blogspot.com

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          code frog 0
          wrote on last edited by
          #37

          If I could (all things being the same) I'd keep coding until I retired and I'm 32 now.

          What I am up to: ReadyToGiveUp(Not!)[^] What friends are up to:SQLServerCentral[^]

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          • K Kareem Shaker

            Hello, Just wanted to know if there are people out there willing to complete their lives in programming, in other words, how do you plan your career vs. your age, I have seen developers aged at 40s and 50s, do you think that the one should quit development at a certain age and shift to technical consultations or project management, and if you are old, and still into code, does this make you small or big ( I think it varies from one country to another ) ? Please share your experience here !

            Kareem Shaker http://cairocafe.blogspot.com

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            PIEBALDconsult
            wrote on last edited by
            #38

            As long as the skills are kept up to date, older (more experienced) is better. But that experience won't matter much if it's all in Cobol and the company needs a Website.

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            • P PIEBALDconsult

              As long as the skills are kept up to date, older (more experienced) is better. But that experience won't matter much if it's all in Cobol and the company needs a Website.

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              Paul Conrad
              wrote on last edited by
              #39

              PIEBALDconsult wrote:

              long as the skills are kept up to date, older (more experienced) is better.

              I agree, and older developers with loads of experience can prove to be valuable mentors to the younger developers.

              "The clue train passed his station without stopping." - John Simmons / outlaw programmer

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              • P Paul Conrad

                How was it yesterday?

                "The clue train passed his station without stopping." - John Simmons / outlaw programmer

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                Christian Graus
                wrote on last edited by
                #40

                Aamazing. Today will be the best - Great White/Jackyl/Queensryche/Twisted Sister. yesterday was the weakest day, but still a great time.

                Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++ "I am working on a project that will convert a FORTRAN code to corresponding C++ code.I am not aware of FORTRAN syntax" ( spotted in the C++/CLI forum )

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                • K Kareem Shaker

                  Hello, Just wanted to know if there are people out there willing to complete their lives in programming, in other words, how do you plan your career vs. your age, I have seen developers aged at 40s and 50s, do you think that the one should quit development at a certain age and shift to technical consultations or project management, and if you are old, and still into code, does this make you small or big ( I think it varies from one country to another ) ? Please share your experience here !

                  Kareem Shaker http://cairocafe.blogspot.com

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                  Ravi Bhavnani
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #41

                  Kareem Shaker wrote:

                  I think it varies from one country to another

                  Yes, I think that's true. The impression I get from my developer friends outside North America (specifically those in India and Sri Lanka) is that a "developer" position ranks lower than "project manager". IOW, a developer is expected to eventually grow into an engineering manager who oversees other developers and the execution of projects. While that's certainly a viable career path, it's by no means the only one. Software shops in the US/Canada offer significant opportunities for developers who prefer to remain closely associated with design and implementation and have no desire to manage. Friends of mine who work for Google and Yahoo (in India) say this is also true of their employers. I expect this may also be the case for companies in Europe, but don't have any first-hand experience of that. /ravi

                  This is your brain on Celcius Home | Music | Articles | Freeware | Trips ravib(at)ravib(dot)com

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                  • C Christian Graus

                    Aamazing. Today will be the best - Great White/Jackyl/Queensryche/Twisted Sister. yesterday was the weakest day, but still a great time.

                    Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++ "I am working on a project that will convert a FORTRAN code to corresponding C++ code.I am not aware of FORTRAN syntax" ( spotted in the C++/CLI forum )

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                    Paul Conrad
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #42

                    That's cool. Have fun today :-D

                    "The clue train passed his station without stopping." - John Simmons / outlaw programmer

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                    • T The DevMan

                      Dear I think the programming is very exhausting process, so I think the max age I can do this job is 35 after that I think team leading and project management will be more suitable for me. At last I would thank you for posting this interesting issue that I was in needs to here other voices about it. thank you Ahmed A. Korany

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                      Mark Salsbery
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #43

                      How did you come up with the number 35? :rolleyes: The last time I thought 35 was old I was 16. I've worked with programmers who took up programming after retirement. Some were good, some struggled - no different than 20 year olds. Some newbies just have gray hair. I'm 43 - too old to make it as a rock-star so that will remain a hobby and coding is all I plan on doing :) Cheers, Mark

                      Mark Salsbery Microsoft MVP - Visual C++ "Great job team! Head back to base for debriefing and cocktails."

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                      • R Ravi Bhavnani

                        Kareem Shaker wrote:

                        I think it varies from one country to another

                        Yes, I think that's true. The impression I get from my developer friends outside North America (specifically those in India and Sri Lanka) is that a "developer" position ranks lower than "project manager". IOW, a developer is expected to eventually grow into an engineering manager who oversees other developers and the execution of projects. While that's certainly a viable career path, it's by no means the only one. Software shops in the US/Canada offer significant opportunities for developers who prefer to remain closely associated with design and implementation and have no desire to manage. Friends of mine who work for Google and Yahoo (in India) say this is also true of their employers. I expect this may also be the case for companies in Europe, but don't have any first-hand experience of that. /ravi

                        This is your brain on Celcius Home | Music | Articles | Freeware | Trips ravib(at)ravib(dot)com

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                        Kareem Shaker
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #44

                        Yes Ravi, I think what you've said is quite right, in some specific countries being a developer is a lower rank compared to project manager, however, I believe also that if you work for a good employer who cares about resources, and invest in them, this would make a developer to evolve, for example in Middle East most of the employers are task-oriented, they don't give a da*n about the developers, I believe also if the employer cares about the resources as much as he cares about the projects delivery , this would make a difference, I think also up to some age you can still write code, and kill yourself to get the job done, or to study a new technology, but when you get somehow old, get a family and kids, suffer from back pain, and I am sure 90% of developers do, I think you will start thinking about having some rest, especially our job is restless, and from time to time, we get new technologies, that we have to learn and master, otherwise we'll be behind!

                        Kareem Shaker http://cairocafe.blogspot.com

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                        • K Kareem Shaker

                          Hello, Just wanted to know if there are people out there willing to complete their lives in programming, in other words, how do you plan your career vs. your age, I have seen developers aged at 40s and 50s, do you think that the one should quit development at a certain age and shift to technical consultations or project management, and if you are old, and still into code, does this make you small or big ( I think it varies from one country to another ) ? Please share your experience here !

                          Kareem Shaker http://cairocafe.blogspot.com

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                          arshad_iqbal
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #45

                          once a coder always a coder.. I enjoy facing new chanllenges everyday..

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                          • A arshad_iqbal

                            once a coder always a coder.. I enjoy facing new chanllenges everyday..

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                            dl4gbe
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #46

                            Hallo, I think coding is the most stupid thing you could do in your live. As sooner you quit, as better it is Unfortunatelly I am still in coding but I am trying to avoid coding as much as I can. By the way I am much more than 35 years old.... Being a soldier is the much better choice... long time ago....:( chris

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                            • K Kareem Shaker

                              Hello, Just wanted to know if there are people out there willing to complete their lives in programming, in other words, how do you plan your career vs. your age, I have seen developers aged at 40s and 50s, do you think that the one should quit development at a certain age and shift to technical consultations or project management, and if you are old, and still into code, does this make you small or big ( I think it varies from one country to another ) ? Please share your experience here !

                              Kareem Shaker http://cairocafe.blogspot.com

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                              Sathesh Sakthivel
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #47

                              As for as the profession is concerned age matters till we can code, code it doesnot stopped till he/she likes. I will code as long as i like. So age is not at all a constraint for programming i used to program a lot apart from my office works.

                              Regards, Satips.:rose: Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow; Don't walk behind me, I may not lead; Walk beside me, and just be my friend. - Albert Camus

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                              • K Kareem Shaker

                                Hello, Just wanted to know if there are people out there willing to complete their lives in programming, in other words, how do you plan your career vs. your age, I have seen developers aged at 40s and 50s, do you think that the one should quit development at a certain age and shift to technical consultations or project management, and if you are old, and still into code, does this make you small or big ( I think it varies from one country to another ) ? Please share your experience here !

                                Kareem Shaker http://cairocafe.blogspot.com

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                                NormDroid
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #48

                                I'm into code, any het Dave Cutler is 65 :omg: and could ring circles round you and me. The older the wiser I say,

                                P Think of the environment; please don't print this message unless you really need to.

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                                • S Sathesh Sakthivel

                                  As for as the profession is concerned age matters till we can code, code it doesnot stopped till he/she likes. I will code as long as i like. So age is not at all a constraint for programming i used to program a lot apart from my office works.

                                  Regards, Satips.:rose: Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow; Don't walk behind me, I may not lead; Walk beside me, and just be my friend. - Albert Camus

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                                  Paul Conrad
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #49

                                  Satips wrote:

                                  I will code as long as i like. So age is not at all a constraint for programming

                                  I totally agree with you there :)

                                  "The clue train passed his station without stopping." - John Simmons / outlaw programmer

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                                  • N NormDroid

                                    I'm into code, any het Dave Cutler is 65 :omg: and could ring circles round you and me. The older the wiser I say,

                                    P Think of the environment; please don't print this message unless you really need to.

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                                    P Offline
                                    Paul Conrad
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #50

                                    norm .net wrote:

                                    older the wiser I say

                                    I agree because I feel that older developers in the developer communities are an important part of mentoring younger developers.

                                    "The clue train passed his station without stopping." - John Simmons / outlaw programmer

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                                    • C Christian Graus

                                      Aamazing. Today will be the best - Great White/Jackyl/Queensryche/Twisted Sister. yesterday was the weakest day, but still a great time.

                                      Christian Graus - Microsoft MVP - C++ "I am working on a project that will convert a FORTRAN code to corresponding C++ code.I am not aware of FORTRAN syntax" ( spotted in the C++/CLI forum )

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                                      mav northwind
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #51

                                      Really? Queensrÿche are still performing? The heroes of my youth...sigh :) Although I have to admit I lost interest after Geoff Tate left. Remember Operation: Mindcrime? I've got to look for that CD...

                                      Regards, mav -- Black holes are the places where God divided by 0...

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                                      • K Kareem Shaker

                                        Hey, I am so sorry if you've got it as discriminatory expression, I just wanted to give an example, with all respect to you. However, I am eager to hear about your experience, I know I will be 35 in 5 years time, that's why I want to learn from your experience :)

                                        Kareem Shaker http://cairocafe.blogspot.com

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                                        Pete OHanlon
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #52

                                        Ooh - you'll be so old. How will you cope with the loss of faculties and drooling down your chin? I assume you've taken the life insurance out now that your life is so close to being over.

                                        Please visit http://www.readytogiveup.com/ and do something special today. Deja View - the feeling that you've seen this post before.

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                                        • C Chris Austin

                                          The DevMan wrote:

                                          I think the programming is very exhausting process

                                          Compared to what? Coding is a cakewalk compared to paving rodes and building houses. :)

                                          My Blog A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects. - -Lazarus Long

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                                          Andy Brummer
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #53

                                          Chris Austin wrote:

                                          Coding is a cakewalk compared to paving rodes

                                          Or even spelling correctly. :)


                                          I can imagine the sinking feeling one would have after ordering my book, only to find a laughably ridiculous theory with demented logic once the book arrives - Mark McCutcheon

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