Linux and Unix Training in Denver, Colorado

Since you asked for the three most important things that non-programmers should know about, and I’ve spent most of my career working with more non-programmers than programmers, I have a few interesting things that would help.

Number One - It Is Impossible To Accurately Estimate Software Projects

No matter what is tried. No matter what tool, agile approach, or magic fairy dust people try to apply to creating software… accurately predicting software project timelines is basically impossible.

There are many good reasons for this. Usually, requirements and feature ideas change on a daily/weekly basis. Often it is impossible to know what needs to be done without actually digging into the code itself. Debugging and QA can take an extraordinary amount of time.

And worst of all…

Project Managers are always pushing for shorter timelines. They largely have no respect for reality. So, at some point they are given estimates just to make them feel better about planning.

No matter how much planning and estimation you do, it will be wrong. At best it will be directionally correct +/- 300% of what you estimated. So, a one year project could actually take anywhere between 0 and 5 years, maybe even 10 years.

If you think I’m joking, look at how many major ERP projects that go over time and over budget by many years and many hundreds of millions of dollars. Look at the F-35 fighter jet software issues.

Or in the small, you can find many cases where a “simple bug fix” can take days when you thought it was hours.

All estimates are lies made up to make everyone feel better. I’ve never met a developer or manager who could accurately estimate software projects even as well as the local weatherman(or woman) predicts the weather.

Number Two - Productivity Is Unevenly Distributed

What if I told you that in the average eight hour work day the majority of the work will get done in a 30 minute timeframe? Sound crazy?

Well, for most programmers there is a 30–90 minute window where you are extraordinarily productive. We call this the flow state.

Being in the flow state is wonderful and amazing. It often is where the “magic” of building software happens.

Getting into flow can be difficult. It’s akin to meditation in that you have to have a period of uninterrupted focus of say 30 minutes to “get in” the flow, but a tiny interruption can pull you right out.

Now consider the modern workplace environment. Programmers work in open office environments where they are invited to distract each other constantly.

Most people need a 1–2 hour uninterrupted block to get 30–90 minutes of flow.

Take the 8 hour day and break it in half with a lunch break, and then pile in a few meetings and all of a sudden you are lucky to get one decent flow state session in place.

That is why I say that most of the work that gets done happens in a 30 minute timeframe. The other 7–8 hours are spent being distracted, answering email, going to meetings, hanging around the water cooler, going to the bathroom, and trying to remember what you were working on before all these distractions.

Ironically, writers, musicians, and other creative professionals have their own version of this problem and largely work alone and away from other people when they are creating new things.

Someday the programming world might catch on, but I doubt it.

Even if this became obvious, it doesn’t sit well with most companies to think that programmers would be paid for an 8 hour day and only be cranking out code for a few hours on a good day. Some corporate middle manager would probably get the bright idea to have mandatory flow state training where a guru came in and then there would be a corporate policy from a pointy haired boss mandating that programmers are now required to spend 8 hours a day in flow state and they must fill out forms to track their time and notify their superiors of their flow state activities, otherwise there would be more meetings about the current flow state reports not being filed correctly and that programmers were spending too much time “zoning out” instead of being in flow.

Thus, programmers would spent 7–8 hours a day pretending to be in flow state, reporting on their progress, and getting all their work done in 30 minutes of accidental flow state somewhere in the middle of all that flow state reporting.

If you think I’m joking about this, I’m not. I promise you this is what would happen to any company of more than 2 employees. (Even the ones run by programmers.)

Number Three - It Will Cost 10x What You Think

Being a programmer, I get a lot of non-programmers telling me about their brilliant app ideas. Usually they want me to build something for free and are so generous as to pay me up to 5% of the profits for doing 100% of the work.

Their ideas are just that good.

Now, I gently tell them that I’m not interested in building anything for free.

At that point they get angry, but a few ask how much it will cost. I give them a reasonable (and very incorrect) estimate of what it would cost to create the incredibly simple version of their app idea.

Let’s say it’s some number like $25,000.

They look at me like I’m a lunatic, and so I explain how much it costs to hire a contract programmer and how long it will actually take. For example’s sake let’s say it is $100/hr for 250 hours.

To be clear, these are made up numbers and bad estimates (See Number One for details…)

In actuality, to build the actual thing they want might cost $250,000, or even $2,500,000 when it’s all said and done.

Building software can be incredibly complex and expensive. What most people can’t wrap their head around is the fact that a company like Google, Apple, or Microsoft has spent BILLIONS of dollars to create something that looks so simple to the end user.

Somehow, the assumption is that something that looks simple is cheap and fast to build.

Building something simple and easy for the end user is time consuming and expensive. Most people just can’t do it.

So, the average person with a brilliant app idea thinks it will cost a few hundred or maybe a few thousand dollars to make and it will be done in a weekend is so off the mark it’s not worth considering their ideas.

And programmers are too eager to play along with these bad ideas (by making bad estimates and under charging for their time) that this notion is perpetuated to the average non-programmer.

So, a good rule of thumb is that software will cost 10 times as much as you think and take 10 times as long to finish.

And that leads to a bonus point…

BONUS - Software Is Never Done

Programmers never complete a software project, they only stop working on it. Software is never done.

I’ve worked at many software companies and I’ve never seen a software project “completed”.

Sure, software gets released and used. But, it is always changing, being updated, bugs get fixed, and there are always new customer requests for features.

Look at your favorite software and you’ll quickly realize how true this is. Facebook, Instagram, Google Search, Google Maps, GMail, iOS, Android, Windows, and now even most video games are never done.

There are small armies of developers just trying to keep all the software you use every day stable and bug free. Add on the fact that there are always feature requests, small changes, and new platforms to deal with, it’s a treadmill.

So, the only way out of the game is to stop working on software. At that point, the software begins to decay until it is no longer secure or supported.

Think about old Windows 3.1 software or maybe old Nintendo Cartridge video games. The current computers and video game consoles don’t even attempt to run that software anymore.

You can’t put an old video game in your new Nintendo Switch and have it “just work”. That is what happens when you think software is done.

When programmers stop working on software the software starts to die. The code itself is probably fine, but all the other software keeps moving forward until your software is no longer compatible with the current technology.

So, those are the four most important things that non-programmers should know about programming. I know you asked for only three, so I hope the bonus was valuable to you as well.

Java, J2EE Interview Questions: the Basics

[Sep, 21, 2012] |
Tags:

As part of our Java Tutorials program, we will list a number of interview questions to aid in a better understaing of Java and J2EE and, hopefully, provide a greater likelihood of getting a job. Let us begin with the basics:

1. What is meant by J2EE?

J2EE is an abreviation for Java 2 Platform Enterprise Edition

2. What is the purpose of J2EE?

The purpose of J2EE is to provide a component based platform in a multitier application model with transaction management, web services and reusable component support.

3. What is the tier structure of the typical J2EE application?

A typical J2EE application consists of the following tiers/machines: the client machine (browser/non-browser application), the J2EE server (an application server such as Oracle, JBoss, GlassFish, Tomcat) and a database.

How to add an item to a dictionary

[Mar, 29, 2014] |
Tags:

To add to a python dictionary is very easy. First create a dictionary, and then associate a key with a value.

a = {'cat',"furry thing"}
a['dog']="typically likes to run and is very loyal"
print a

Here is what is printed:

{'cat':'furry thing', 'dog':'typically likes to run and is very loyal'}


                
                    
                        
                            Why Learn Python?
                            [May, 10, 2018]       |
      Tags:  
                            

	In the ever changing landscape of software programming, it is not surprising that developers and employees have a different set of preferences for desired skills.  However the number one language that developers want to learn according to a survey of developers by technical recruiter, Hacker Rank is Python. This is not a surprise considering that Python has been in demand for several years and programmers tend to really enjoy this language for clear syntax, good OOP support and great shortcuts. Python, named “the language of the year” in 2007 and 2010 in the TIOBE Index and has climbed to #4 status in May of 2018.

	

	According to the study, employers want developers who:

	

	-  Have problem-solving skills, such as the ability to break down large, complex problems.

	- Are proficient in their programming language and debugging.

	- Can design systems.

	- Can optimize performance.

	- Have experience in reviewing and testing code.

	- Are proficient in database design

	

	Surprisingly, formal education is not the deciding factor when it comes to what companies care about the most. People with computer degrees or certifications on a resume are not necessarily a first choice for hiring managers. Others that have years of experience even if those individuals are partially self-taught in the field stand to be taken seriously in the field.   For those individuals with a passion to learn and master a skill, there are ample opportunities with smaller to mid-sized companies.

	

	Some interesting FAQ’s from the study:

	

	    On average, developers know 4 languages, and they aspire to learn 4 more.

	    Younger developers between 18 and 24 plan to learn 6 languages.

	    Folks older than 35 only plan to learn and additional 3 languages.

	    The top languages developers said they will learn were, Go, Python, Scala, Kotlin, and Ruby.

	    There is a large gap between employers seeking developers that know React than there are folks that can do it.

	

	So, Why Learn Python?

	It is now the most popular introductory teaching language in U.S. universities.  Python is easy to use, powerful, and versatile, making it a great choice for beginners and experts alike. It allows you to think like a programmer and not waste time understanding difficult syntax that other programming languages can command. And, because of its rapid growth, many developers contribute to the Python community and share Python libraries making creativity that much more a reality


    
        
            
                
                    Tech Life in  Colorado
                     
CNBC's list of "Top States for Business for 2010" has recognized Colorado as the third best state in the nation for business. Colorado is also the home to a bunch of federal facilities such as NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command, United States Air Force Academy, Schriever Air Force Base, Peterson Air Force Base, and Fort Carson. On top of the beautiful mountainous scenery and sunny weather, tech life has been brewing steadily in the last decade in Denver and Boulder.  

                    
                            
                
                         Conceptual integrity is the most important consideration in system design.  Frederick P. Brooks, The Mythical Man-Month
                     
                other Learning Options   

            
                Software developers near Denver have ample opportunities to meet like minded techie individuals, 
                collaborate and expend their career choices by participating in Meet-Up Groups.  The following is a list of 
                Technology Groups in the area.
            
             
                 Denver C/C++ Developers Group ·
                 Mobile Technology Association of Colorado ·
                 Full Stack ·
                   
             
                    Fortune 500 and 1000 companies in  Colorado that offer opportunities for Linux Unix  developers   
                
                
                    
                        Company Name
                        City
                        Industry
                        Secondary Industry
                                    
                 
                         Level 3 Communications, Inc
                         Broomfield
                         Telecommunications
                         Telecommunications Other
                     
                 
                         Liberty Global, Inc.
                         Englewood
                         Telecommunications
                         Video and Teleconferencing
                     
                 
                         Liberty Media Corporation
                         Englewood
                         Media and Entertainment
                         Media and Entertainment Other
                     
                 
                         Western Union Company
                         Englewood
                         Financial Services
                         Financial Services Other
                     
                 
                         Ball Corporation
                         Broomfield
                         Manufacturing
                         Metals Manufacturing
                     
                 
                         Pilgrim's Pride Corporation
                         Greeley
                         Manufacturing
                         Food and Dairy Product Manufacturing and Packaging
                     
                 
                         Molson Coors Brewing Company
                         Denver
                         Manufacturing
                         Alcoholic Beverages
                     
                 
                         DISH Network Corporation
                         Englewood
                         Media and Entertainment
                         Media and Entertainment Other
                     
                 
                         Arrow Electronics, Inc.
                         Englewood
                         Computers and Electronics
                         Networking Equipment and Systems
                     
                 
                         DaVita, Inc.
                         Denver
                         Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals and Biotech
                         Outpatient Care Centers
                     
                 
                         Blockbuster LLC
                         Englewood
                         Media and Entertainment
                         Media and Entertainment Other
                     
                 
                         CH2M HILL
                         Englewood
                         Energy and Utilities
                         Alternative Energy Sources
                     
                 
                         Newmont Mining Corporation
                         Greenwood Vlg
                         Agriculture and Mining
                         Mining and Quarrying
                     
                 
            
                
            
        
    
    
    
        
            
                training details locations, tags and why hsg
            
            
                
                    
                    
                        the hartmann software group advantage
                        why take 
                        Linux Unix Training 

                        with the hartmann software group?
                    
                    
                        A successful career as a software developer or other IT professional requires a solid 
                        understanding of software development processes, design patterns, enterprise application architectures, 
                        web services, security, networking and much more.  The progression from novice to expert can be a  
                        daunting endeavor; this is especially true when traversing the learning curve without expert guidance.  A
                        common experience is that too much time and money is wasted on a career plan or application due to misinformation. 
                    
                    
                        
                            The Hartmann Software Group understands these issues and addresses them and others during any 
                            training engagement.  Although no IT educational institution can guarantee career or application development success, 
                            HSG can get you closer to your goals at a far faster rate than self paced learning and, arguably, than the competition. 
                            Here are the reasons why we are so successful at teaching:
                            
                            
                            Learn from the experts.  
                                
                                    We have provided software development and other IT related training 
                                        to many major corporations in  Colorado since 2002.
                                    Our educators have years of consulting and training 
                            experience; moreover, we require each trainer to have cross-discipline expertise i.e. be Java and .NET experts so 
                            that you get a broad understanding of how industry wide experts work and think.
                                   
                            
                            
                                    Discover tips and tricks about Linux Unix  programming
                            
                                    Get your questions answered by easy to follow, organized Linux Unix  experts
                            
                                    Get up to speed with vital Linux Unix  programming tools
                            
                                    Save on travel expenses by learning right from your desk or home office.  Enroll in an online instructor led class.  Nearly 
                            all of our classes are offered in this way.
                            
                                    Prepare to hit the ground running for a new job or a new position
                            
                                    See the big picture and have the instructor fill in the gaps
                            
                                    We teach with sophisticated learning tools and provide excellent supporting course material
                            
                                    Books and course material are provided in advance
                            
                                    Get a book of your choice from the HSG Store as a gift from us when you register for a class
                            
                                    Gain a lot of practical skills in a short amount of time
                            
                                    We teach what we know…software
                            
                                    We care…
                             
                    
                    learn more
                
                
                    
                    
                        page tags 
                        what brought you to visit us
                    
                    
                        Denver,  Colorado Linux Unix Training , 
                        Denver,  Colorado Linux Unix Training Classes, 
                        Denver,  Colorado Linux Unix Training Courses, 
                        Denver,  Colorado Linux Unix Training Course, 
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                                training locations 
                                 Colorado cities where we offer Linux Unix Training Classes
                            
                                                    
                            
                                        
                                            
                                                        ·Fort Collins,  Colorado
                                                    
                                                        · Broomfield, CO
                                                    
                                                        · Colorado Springs
                                                    
                                                        · Westminster, CO
                                                    
                                                        ·Boulder,  Colorado
                                                    
                                                        · Greeley, CO
                                                    
                                                        ·Denver,  Colorado
                                                    
                                                        · Aurora, CO
                                                    
                                                        · Arvada
                                                    
                                                        · Lakewood, CO
                                                    
                                                        ·Thornton,  Colorado
                                                    
                                                        · Loveland, CO
                                                    
                                                        ·Longmont,  Colorado
                                                    
                                                        · Centennial, CO
                                                    
                                                        · Pueblo
                                                                                  
                                    
                                
                        
                    
        
    
    
        
            
                Interesting Reads Take a class with us and receive a book of your choosing for 50% off MSRP.

Company Name	City	Industry	Secondary Industry
Level 3 Communications, Inc	Broomfield	Telecommunications	Telecommunications Other
Liberty Global, Inc.	Englewood	Telecommunications	Video and Teleconferencing
Liberty Media Corporation	Englewood	Media and Entertainment	Media and Entertainment Other
Western Union Company	Englewood	Financial Services	Financial Services Other
Ball Corporation	Broomfield	Manufacturing	Metals Manufacturing
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation	Greeley	Manufacturing	Food and Dairy Product Manufacturing and Packaging
Molson Coors Brewing Company	Denver	Manufacturing	Alcoholic Beverages
DISH Network Corporation	Englewood	Media and Entertainment	Media and Entertainment Other
Arrow Electronics, Inc.	Englewood	Computers and Electronics	Networking Equipment and Systems
DaVita, Inc.	Denver	Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals and Biotech	Outpatient Care Centers
Blockbuster LLC	Englewood	Media and Entertainment	Media and Entertainment Other
CH2M HILL	Englewood	Energy and Utilities	Alternative Energy Sources
Newmont Mining Corporation	Greenwood Vlg	Agriculture and Mining	Mining and Quarrying