Are CompSci Degrees Declining in Quality?

An article in this month's edition of CrossTalk, the military computing journal, the two authors, both of AdaCore and both former lecturers at NYU, contend that computer science curricula are neglecting the fundamentals. Their major concern is with the ubiquity of Java classes as a first language but they go on to discuss what a CompSci degree should teach.

It is our view that Computer Science (CS) education is neglecting basic skills, in particular in the areas of programming and formal methods. We consider that the general adoption of Java as a first programming language is in part responsible for this decline. We examine briefly the set of programming skills that should be part of every software professional’s repertoire.

Their conclusions are very accurate. It must be said, however, that any programming job can become old hat. It is, rather, incumbent upon the person to keep himself/herself sharp. Something you might therefore consider is: What are you doing to sharpen the saw of your skills?