SpaceX. What do we need to know as C++ programmers, to get a job at SpaceX or NASA or DARPA or BostonDynamics.

[DeadSun511]

Hey cplusplus,

Im an intro C++ programmer, but ive been messing around with other scripts such as Java, PHP, XHTML, CSS for a long time now and i just learner VB and C++.

One of my biggest goals in life would be to work for a great company like Boston Dynamics, NASA, DARPA or SpaceX, i want to be part of all of that.

As far as space exploration, what would anyone recommend i start learning most importantly in terms of C++. Robotics? Physics? All of the above? lol, im looking for some real advice here.

[Duthomhas]

Familiarity with the language helps, but the things you will do have little to do with being a C++ guru and a lot to do with being able to think clearly about what the code is doing, regardless of language choice.

I recommend you spend some time with assembly language and functional programming languages, in addition to procedural and OO languages (like C++).

For the kind of stuff you are getting into you also want to make sure to take courses (as many and as advanced as possible) on secure computing and fault-tolerant and life-critical systems. From the point of view of C++, make sure that you are aware of what practices are dangerous and insecure. (Stuff like system("PAUSE"); in any code you ever write will cause people like NASA to not hire you.)

Oh, before I forget: learn Tcl. You'll need that too. :O)

Hope this helps.

[BHX]

(Stuff like system("PAUSE"); in any code you ever write will cause people like NASA to not hire you.)

/me looks at NASA's Mar Lander debacle

Must be something they just started ;).

[Moschops]

Not calling code of compiled languages (such as C++) "scripts" would definitely help. If you want to learn something other than code that will make you a better programmer, the top of the list is maths.

[andywestken]

If you're interested in seeing something of what they're up to?

GSFC Open Source Software
http://opensource.gsfc.nasa.gov/

For example:
http://sourceforge.net/projects/gmsec/

But when it come to other languages, according to Wikipedia,

The software for the Shuttle computers was written in a high-level language called HAL/S, somewhat similar to PL/I. It is specifically designed for a real time embedded system environment.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Shuttle
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HAL/S

[DeadSun511]

@duoas
@Moschops
@andywestken

Thanks a lot everyone, all this info is actually really helping to point me in the right direction and get a better idea of how to realize my goal. Mainly what i learned is i need to do a buttload more research.

I realize the language is not whats so important as is understanding the theory.
Math/physics has to be my first priority of course.

Duoas, what really killed me is that thing you said about system("pause"); cause i actually use it all the time hahh. But then again, what do you expect, im only about 3 - 4 months into C++. On the other hand ive read plenty of books on programming and development theory so im not as lost as it may seem.

Thanks a lot for the help!! Now, to keep on treadin !