[willstepp]

I come to this as a self-taught programmer and I think like most Ford-Chevy arguments the reality is somewhere in between. After working as a professional software developer for eight years on desktop apps, web apps, and mobile apps, I can see there are places where having a foundation in computer science could absolutely improve quality of my work, mainly algorithms and data structures, but also higher level subjects like OS and database architecture, security...etc.

And I also think CompSci folks would do well to work on a personal software project on nights and weekends and see it through to release and get actual people to use what you wrote. There's so much valuable experience that comes from that process that can never be learned in a classroom, or even from most jobs to be honest.

[semerda]

I think the CompSci folks that are dissatisfied with their employer and are comfortable with their skills are already doing stuff on the side. Today, sharpening your skills & earning extra $$$ through side projects is a no brainer. The wealth of online how-to articles and distribution channels has lowered the barriers to entry.

Of course if one is well looked after their employer financially and personally then there is really no need to do this. Makes you wonder why so many people out there are dissatisfied with their employers eh ;-)