A formal degree and algorithmic problem-solving is the answer. Always has been

The author argues that formal computer science education and algorithmic problem-solving skills are essential for programmers, particularly in an era of AI-assisted coding, comparing the responsibility of programming to performing surgery with a scalpel. While the author succeeded without a formal degree early in their career, they contend that this path is increasingly untenable and that lacking foundational knowledge and interview preparation skills is now career-limiting. The article critiques developers who obsess over code style and trivial details while neglecting fundamental practices like testing and understanding core principles.