Ask HN: Do you think programmers have an edge over self-taught ones?

It depends. Are you working on web apps or iOS apps? Then most likely no.

Are you working on drivers, kernel, and software that is close to the hardware? Then maybe.

I've met some extremely incompetent devs with a CS degree. At the same time, I've met some super strong, tech lead level, devs who are self-taught.

I think it has more to do with interest. Someone self-taught who is very interested in tech will easily surpass a CS grad who only does it for money. Everything you need to get a CS degree is easily accessible online anyways.

No. A motivated person can find all the comp sci and programming resources for free online. A good mentor can take the place of a professor, even better since professors usually don’t have industry experience or domain expertise.

No. I'm self-taught, so I may be biased, but in my subjective experience all the best programmers I have worked with either had no formal education, or a non-technical education.

The edge is... have mentors. And continuously learn.