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Discussion on: How do you explain what software development is to friends and family?

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Kevin Herrera

I like to say that I'm a digital carpenter and instead of using hammers and nails I use my keyboard and mouse. And like constructing a new home you need people with different skill sets like plumbers, electricians, designers, architects, managers etc... And I, as a Front End Software Developer, am more like the carpenter who puts up the drywall and paints it based on what the designer put together. I also am the one who puts up the cabinets and doors and makes sure the user experience is how you would expect or delights you in a new way.

TLDR:
I followed by dad's footsteps as a day laborer in construction and carpentry. Except I use my keyboard, mouse, and StackOverflow.

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Matthew Piercey

That's a good one. I've heard the construction/carpentry analogy before, but coming up for metaphors for the different subdisciplines in the field is a great idea.

Just like with any field, there are so many career paths, and each one fulfills a slightly different purpose.

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Stephanie Morillo • Edited

I'm a BIG FAN of metaphors and this is an excellent one! I need to figure out how to use a similar one to explain program/product management to my dad. Thanks for sharing!