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Post details: Take the data literacy test
2007-11-29
So, you think you're a good programmer, do you?
In his book, Code Complete, Steve McConnell has something he calls *"The Data Literacy Test". It's a test to see how 313373 you are when it comes to data types.
Here's how Steve himself describes the test:
The first step in creating effective data is knowing which kind of data to create. A good repertoire of data types is a key part of a programmer's toolbox. A tutorial in data types is beyond the scope of this book, but the "Data Literacy Test" will help you determine how much more you might need to learn about them.
Ok, so that was the motivation. Here's is how it goes:
Put a 1 next to each term that looks familiar. If you think you know what a term means but aren't sure, give yourself a 0.5. Add the points when you're done, and interpret your score according to the scoring table below.
- abstract data type
- array
- bitmap
- boolean variable
- B-tree
- character variable
- container class
- double precision
- elongated stream
- enumerated type
- floating point
- heap
- index
- integer
- linked list
- named constant
- literal
- local variable
- lookup table
- member data
- pointer
- private
- retroactive synapse
- referential integrity
- stack
- string
- structured variable
- tree
- typedef
- union
- value chain
- variant
.. OK - got your score ready? Check how you rank below:
Here is how you can interpret the scores (loosely):
0-14 You are a beginning programmer, probably in your first year of computer science in school or teaching yourself your first programming language. You can learn a lot by reading one of the books listed in the next subsection. Many of the descriptions of techniques in this part of the book are addressed to advanced programmers, and you'll get more out of them after you've read one of these books.
15-19 You are an intermediate programmer or an experienced programmer who has forgotten a lot. Although many of the concepts will be familiar to you, you too can benefit from reading one of the books listed below.
20-24 You are an expert programmer. You probably already have the books listed below on your shelf.
25-29 You know more about data types than I do. Consider writing your own computer book. (Send me a copy!)
30-32 You are a pompous fraud. The terms "elongated stream," "retroactive synapse," and "value chain" don't refer to data types-I made them up. Please read the "Intellectual Honesty" section in Chapter 33, "Personal Character"!
