Is studying computer science worth it?

Learning to code is essential if you want to become a developer. But is a computer science graduate a better developer than a self-taught one?

I'm a self-taught developer currently studying computer science at GUtech, so I've seen both sides. First, there's a common misconception that studying computer science automatically makes you a good developer. It doesn't.

What I learned first

As a web developer, the first things I learned weren't memory, circuits or converting binary to different bases. I learned the basics of coding: that a computer only reads binary, then HTML, CSS and JavaScript. After that came git, Node and then frameworks.

Notice something missing?

I didn't mention data structures, OOP or memory management. Computer science students learn these early in their study plan. Self-taught developers usually learn them later, because they learn what they need when they need it. That's why, even though I've been coding for about six years, I'm still learning new things in my university courses.

What a degree doesn't give you

Being a computer science student doesn't automatically make you a good developer either. Your study plan probably doesn't cover the up-to-date frameworks the job market uses. Getting ahead on those, and building random projects, is your responsibility.

Finally, I believe self-study and building projects are the best ways to improve and learn, whether you're a computer science student or not.

— Omar. Questions or corrections? Tell me.