User:Xiphoris
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[edit] Introduction
Hi, my name is Justin Crites, and on the Internet I go by the handle Xiphoris. I'm currently a student at Rice University working towards my MCS (Masters in Computer Science) degree. My favorite hobby besides programming is reading, and I do so voraciously. While I am a technically-oriented person, I place high value on the ability to communicate in English as well as code; I see being a well-rounded as an important value to aspire to.
I am constantly trying to improve my writing ability, both through my blog-like Notebook and my column about proper programming mindsets and techniques, Progressive Programming. I believe that there's a Right Way to do things, and that it's worth everyone's effort to figure out what that is for some particular medium.
[edit] Why I have a Wikipedia account
I found myself using Wikipedia many times daily. I also found myself editing articles for correctness and grammar, then realized that making an account is the best way to ensure that my changes are recognized and made permanent. I am contributing to Wikipedia both to improve its content and also to become a better writer in general.
[edit] More About Me
[edit] Open-source
I believe in the goals of open source software (OSS), but resent many of the particular beliefs of those in its community. Specifically, I strongly disagree with the notion that all software should be open source, or that software is better because it is OSS. I believe that many times large companies creating closed code can create a better product than the open source community. However, that is not to say that no OSS projects are good, or that closed products are necessarily better. I look at software systems based on their merit, with no extra merit or demerits just because of the philosophy of the software's creator.
I think property rights of individuals and companies are far more valuable to defend than the notions of free software. Specifically, I believe that the creator of some product has full and complete right to determine how that product may be sold, to whom, and for what price. Other people may believe differently, but that belief is mine
I release most of my own code as OSS; I contribute to three SourceForge-hosted projects:
- DrJava, a teaching-oriented Java IDE
- Sirophix MUD, a C# MUD engine
- Lockbook, a distributed password manager
[edit] Corporate Affiliations
Part of the reason I consider myself an experienced programmer is because I have many years of independent open-source and industry experience. The industry experience has included such companies as Amazon.com and [Solutions]. Currently I work for Microsoft as a Software Development Engineer on the C# compiler team, which is part of Visual Studio.
Due to my experience in many different worlds (Linux at Amazon; Windows at Microsoft; independent open-source projects hosted on SourceForge; corporate experience) and understanding of various technologies, I do not believe I have a significant bias in the area of programming languages or computer technology. I believe that it is best for all parties that multiple languages, platforms, and operating systems exist; I do not believe in the notion of "one perfect operating system for everyone" or that other people should think the way that I do. I do believe in honestly evaluating technologies; I believe that factual, technical comparisons can be made of these things and that engineers are capable of doing it.
[edit] Politics
Historically I have identified with the policies of the Democratic Party, but lately I have been disgusted with and disinterested in American politics as a whole and have become nonpartisan. I have never voted. I have been leaning towards libertarianism lately, but I do not see any one system as the solution to all the world's problems. I believe capitalism is a good solution to many of them, but that lobbying and the corrupt nature of big government is doing bad things.
[edit] Programming
I consider myself an expert programmer in many fields. I have previously worked for such big name companies as Amazon.com and Microsoft. My resume is publically available on my homepage. I work mostly with the language C# now. I am an enthusiastic member of #C++ and #C# on the IRC network DALnet.
More to come later
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