<p>I think the first post helps defining something: dude, nothing is easy.</p>
<p>CS is pretty abstract IMO. Software is an abstract thing. So it’s up to you how to write a software. You can learned how to program by practice and reading a book. Some people, like me, prefer class and practices. </p>
<p>I think the high number of drop-outs comes from the fact that people don’t enjoy solving puzzles. CS is not about solving Sudoku. But most of the work you do in CS is about turning an idea into an abstract, yet, powerful implementation, whether it’s a software, solving an algorithm, or whatever the case might be. You are communicating with a non-human being. How hard is that? </p>
<p>So expect sitting in front of a computer, with a piece of paper and a pen on your hand, for your whole day, trying to figure out how something works.</p>
<p>What Global is suggesting is that having those two credential is essential for survival. Tracing your codes, learning how things are working in the back (how the compiler is doing, the hardware is doing… all those junk craps), is boring for many people. Last time I spent 4 days trying to figure out something very simple if i didn’t begin with the wrong approach. Obviously, this is not a CS exclusive privilege.</p>