Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is your code Like That?
2. What's your main language stack? How'd you decide on them?
3. You're obviously technically-minded, and you know how to program. Why did you major in business?
4. Okay, so why didn't you major in engineering or physics or math or literally anything else?
5. What's your posting stack?
6. What computer do you use?
7. Has anyone actually asked you any of these questions?

1. Why is your code Like That?

I don't like scrolling and I liked Arthur Whitney's style enough to switch over to a similar form. Usually, the functions I write are either abstract enough to just use variables like X, Y, and Z, or the variables I use are some form of mnemonic (e.g., $f for file).

2. What's your main language stack? How'd you decide on them?

At time of writing (May 2025), I use a mix of Emacs Lisp, Common Lisp, and F# for my programming. Emacs Lisp serves as a prototyping and scripting language, Common Lisp as the language I reach for when I need horsepower for a "real program", and F# for webshit and (possibly) work.

3. You're obviously technically-minded, and you know how to program. Why did you major in business?

Years ago, I predicted that the Learn to Code movement would result in a glut of CS undergrads, depressing wages (bad) and making it incredibly difficult to get a job at all (worse). As of 2025, this is entirely correct (though I didn't predict ChatGPT and co.) Majoring in business was a gamble to limit opportunity cost (as I could graduate in 3 years instead of 4) and keep tech as a backup if the bottom fell out of the supply chain market (since tech tends to be more forgiving of unorthodox backgrounds; this came to fruition when I was hired for a sysadmin position after being rebuffed by every supply chain position I applied for but one)

4. Okay, so why didn't you major in engineering or physics or math or literally anything else?

I didn't think of it. (Originally, I was shooting for a job as a pilot; the FAA disqualified me right as COVID started, so I wasn't thinking entirely straight during college applications).

5. What's your posting stack?

I write in Emacs, mark up using org-mode, and I have some Emacs Lisp for managing conversion and uploads.

6. What computer do you use?

I use a Dell XPS 15 running Windows 10 (yes, I know). 32gb RAM, 12th gen i7, 1tb NVME storage.

7. Has anyone actually asked you any of these questions?

Only the one about my major.