Comment by crystal_revenge
2 days ago
Have you written a compiler? I ask because for me writing a compiler was absolutely an inflection point in my journey as a programmer. Being able to look at code and reason about it all the way down to bytecode/IL/asm etc absolutely improved my skill as a programmer and ability to reason about software. For me this was the first time I felt like a real programmer.
Writing a compiler is not a requirement or good use of time for a programmer. Same as why driving a car should not require you to build the car engine. Driver should stick to their role and learn how to drive properly.
I'm guessing the answer then is "no".
That's a ridiculous metaphor as well because building a compiler is a massive software engineering project that covers a huge range of essential skills. That metaphor would work for building a computer, but not a compiler.
Clearly it shouldn't be a requirement, but it is an excellent use of a programmer's time. I can think of no software project over my career that has improved my skills more than writing a compiler.