Git's list of banned C functions

Re:Git's list of banned C functions by __turbobrew__ on Thursday March 04, 2021 @07:21PM (#26350554)

I went through a very similar gauntlet in my first undergrad computers class. I didn’t know anything about programming or linux, but it was fine.

I think the filter is more effective for finding those who can quickly adapt, learn, and grok a methodical mindset. Not necessary characteristics to be a programmer, but necessary characteristics to excel at programming.

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Re:Git's list of banned C functions by throwaway3neu94 on Thursday March 04, 2021 @08:34PM (#26351290)

Does it though, or is it more survivorship bias and maybe lucking into finding someone who will spend hours mentoring you?

I've mentored quite a few first semester students (in my spare time, to help. Not as a job) and there is no way some of them would've passed without serious help.

At some point I used to think privately that CS should have a programming test as an admission exam, because these students did drag everyone down. If medicine and law have admission restrictions, why not CS too?

But I have changed my opinion because I think everyone deserves a real opportunity, and our school system does not provide a level playing field sadly. (Also the medicine & law admission criteria are GPA based and that is the last thing I'd want for CS.)

Anyway the real filter was always maths.

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