Comment by hirvi74

Perhaps it was merely my degree or program, but I do not feel like I learned a lot more than surface level knowledge.

I have an accredited degree in computer science. But what does that truly even signify? For example, even with my 10 years of experience coupled with my degree, I could not create a programming language from scratch without some tutorial, nor could I create an OS, a compiler/interpreter, a basic CPU, RAM, any secondary storage, etc.. Sure, I could tell you about basic digital logic, basic OS principals, basic algorithms in a poorer explanation than a Wikipedia article, etc..

To use your gas engine analogy, if you dropped me on deserted island with all the parts I needed to make a basic, simple computer I would unlikely be able to do so with out some sort of in-depth guide. I am not talking about slotting mass produced parts on a motherboard. Rather, something like this:

https://www.instructables.com/Build-a-Computer-W-Basic-Under...