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igolden

49 karma · joined July 24, 2016

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igolden··on Removing Trending From Facebook
This is where the real power is. Trustworthiness is a problem that needs to be solved in MSM. cc: Elon

EDIT - meant to the thread, not the thread reply

igolden··on I put all my personal data on eBay
LifeFaker cracked me up - thanks for sharing.

"Being able to pretend I rode an elephant in Thailand really helped my confidence"

igolden··on Ask HN: Learning multiple languages vs. mastering one
This is a great answer to a question we all face in our programming careers - what do I learn next? With an understanding of all of the items you mentioned, the OP will be a much more well rounded, valuable programmer. At that point finding a better job will just be a matter of showing people what he/she knows.

The hard part is knowing _how_ to measure your skills. A while back I came across an article called the "Programmer Competency Matrix" and it stuck with me (google it for reference). Essentially it's a table of CS/programming skills with measurements 0-3, and it gives the reader a way to measure/track their various competencies.

After I read that article, I took his matrix and added my own additional rows/columns that I'd like to be proficient at. To the OP - I suggest doing something similar. Write out a list of all of the programming skills/languages you'd like to have (and need to advance your career), and give yourself an honest rating. Ask a programmer friend to rate you as well. Then ask yourself - what 0's do you want to turn into 3's, and weigh that against your career choices. Then plan your learning accordingly.

Like mjmdavis said: programming langs are a means to an end.Making a choice on where to move forward isn't just about your career - it's emotional/artistic/personal. You don't want to choose a language you hate just for a paycheck. I find that being more self aware (with my matrix) has helped me learn the skills I needed faster and more intentionally.

Good Luck!

igolden··on Notes on structured concurrency, or: Go statement considered harmful
I'm not quite won over, but the links to Dijkstra's work were a goldmine for me! Totally agree
igolden··on Ask HN: Non-programming activities to improve coding skills?
Learn a creative skill like cooking, drawing, painting, or sculpting. For me - I always tend to see my art as a metaphor to programming. Each step in the process is a small function, and each finished piece (meal, painting, etc) is like a working program. Sometimes it needs to be refactored, other times it's fine as it is.

A lot of programmers I know don't have a creative side to them. The programmers and engineers I respect the most all have a unique and creative outlook on life, which shows in their CS work.

igolden··on Ask HN: CS papers for software architecture and design?
Awesome recommendation
igolden··on Ask HN: How to get a job as Gameplay Programmer?
Wow, good to know. Thanks for input and I posted there too. Much different job world in tech/web startups.
igolden··on Ask HN: How to get a job as Gameplay Programmer?
I can see that, thanks for reply. It’s such a “dream job” that I could see how employers have the leverage.

I just want to code where I get fun, visual feedback. In general, games seem to have way less code than a large production web app, and a ton more art. I am solid in Blender and unity/Ue4, but still learning.

Any way I could jump past the JR pile and get to the intermediate and 80-100K range?

igolden··on Ask HN: How did you get started in Network Security/Penetration Testing?
Right now I am happy as a freelance software engineer. I wasn't looking for a new job (I wanted the KNOW), but I _was_ looking for validation among business-types. I also have a few certs from AWS, and attaining those created the validation I needed in Devops/cloud (so it can be worth it for career growth).

Honestly, I just got tired of being THAT developer who willingly shirked his security duties. I always let someone else 'handle it'. In comparison now, I'm much more confident because I know (more) about securing the network and underlying ecosystem that my applications live in.

I think most people hiring want to see a developer who is excited and puts out lots of work. I've always been pursuing this in my free time, which goes a long way to show that I am truly interested in the subject. But at the end of the day, your cert can't secure a network if you can't. Get the KNOW and you'll find an opp w/ or w/out the semantics.

Hope that helps.

igolden··on Ask HN: How did you get started in Network Security/Penetration Testing?
I don't disagree that CEH is inflated, and this coming from me, the guy who paid $1000 for the chance to test.

What the CEH does give people is a curriculum that they can adhere to. Not everyone can wrap their head around a complex subject like infosec alone. It's not a badge of honor, especially in a niche like infosec. But it does show you're serious about the field and willing to make a financial commitment. That's why i'd say it's worth considering if you're looking to make a career move. Of course, look at every other option and choose the best fit for you.

igolden··on Ask HN: How did you get started in Network Security/Penetration Testing?
I’ve been a professional software developer for the last 4-5 years, but never took security serious until iot took off. Get some raspberry pis, install kali Linux on a VM or spare computer, and go to work! It’s just so easy and cheap to setup a pen test lab. I’d recommend every dev have a few attack machines for fun. That’s how I got started.

It’s also a huge field. Try checking out security in your current discipline. I was a web developer in 2013, so it was natural that I was inclined to look at SQL injections, XSS, packet sniffing, Etc. I already understood the domain. That is easier than jumping into reverse engineering firm ware if you have no xp.

Now after a couple years of practice, I’m recommitted to security. Huge issue in our current tech ecosystem. I was just approved to take CEH and will be taking it next month. To make it official. If you need some structure to your learning and want to make a career move, check out getting an industry base cert like the CEH or offensive arc cert. most security jobs prefer candidates to have at least one, and they’re not incredibly difficult.

Happy pwning!

igolden··on Ask HN: How do I start my own consulting firm?
A great resource for burning through your idea and getting your business setup/organized -> startuprocket.com. Free, too.
igolden··on Tell HN: Merry Christmas
Hacky Holidays!
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