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Linux for Developers: need CS degree?

 
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Hello,
And thank you Bo for this book. As I was looking over the info on the books webpage, I wondered:

If I did not go to school and get a Comp Sci degree, meaning no formal programming learning, would this book help me?

Or do I need to get that bit of education for me to get the most benefit out of the book?

I see you cover scripting and compiled languages which is great. Do you have a fave? I know it's like asking a parent about a fave child. We all know it's the one that we can live our unfilled lives through LOL

Thanks again,
Dave
 
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Hi Dave,

I like this question because it really highlights the purpose of the book.  The book is written for you (ok, not you specifically, but someone with no formal programming learning).  It is also helpful for experienced programmers who are coming from a non-Linux background (AKA, Windows) to understand how the development environment is different.

The second question puts me on the spot a bit!  I think we often tend to like the first language we are introduced to the best (for me that is technically the Bourne shell, but BASH is the more logical answer), but it also depends on what I want to do.  Generally speaking, I'd create a BASH script for a simple solution, a Perl script for something more complex or that related to data parsing and Python for larger projects, especially if it will be code that has to be maintained by someone else long-term.  

I is almost like asking "would you rather use a hammer or a screwdriver" to which I would say "and I working with a nail or a screw?".

Thank you,

-Bo

P.S. - please don't ask me which is the hammer: perl or python - I don't want to start a war here!
 
Dave Hyer
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Hello Bo,

Well it would be really creepy if you wrote the book for ME! Talk about cyber stalking right? ;)

I thank you for the answer. Some would say it was a political answer, and I would argue it is not. When you have a project to do, will depend on the tool(s) you will need to finish it.

And I won't ask you to pick. I used to be a perl guy(a VERY basic one) and once I learned about Python, I was hooked. As I have interests in the Data Science field, more specifically data mining, Anaconda Python does the trick for me. Unless things change at work, then I would shift to Java.

Thanks again! Can't afford it just yet, went crazy on some other books and the Mrs. is not too happy at present. Married guys, you know of what I speak!

I know the digital version is less expensive, however I am getting tired of reading on a computer. So a book I must have in my hands.

Any chance there are some samples out there of the content? I did a search and the best is the Table of Contents on InformIT's site.

No worries if there is none out there.

Take it easy,
Dave
 
Bo Rothwell
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I'll change the title of my next book to be "CompTIA Linux+/LPIC-1 Portable Command Guide: All the commands for the CompTIA LX0-103 & LX0-104 and LPI 101-400 & 102-400 exams in one compact, portable resource, written specifically for Dave Hyer".  Not sure if my publisher will let me get away with that as that may limit the target audience just a bit.

I know what you mean about buying too many books and digitial format.  I love digital format for long plane rides, but rather read physical copies if I can.

I appreciate you putting it on your todo list!

-Bo
 
Dave Hyer
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AWWWWWWWWWW gee shucks man, that is too cool of you!

And darn those blasted editors. Given how many folks your next book may help, as this one probably will help me once I can buy it, let's go with more generic titles. Keeps the editors happy and makes asking for it or buying it much easier.

Thanks for the chat!

Take care and may this one sell LOTS of copies!

*whispers* How do I get an autographed copy? ;)
 
Bo Rothwell
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I'd be happy to sign it if you want to come to San Diego.

Normally I go to several (mostly Linux) conferences each year, but work travel has been crazy this year.  Also, my work travel schedule keeps changing, so it hard to line up events when things shift around a lot.
 
Dave Hyer
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Well, as I do tech support from home office, I don't get to travel that much. At all, really

I will look for Linux con's here in Denver. I hope things settle a bit, as travel can wear on you.

Take it easy!
 
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