Which kind of stuff every programmer should do

I think every programmer should:

- write a language and a compiler for it

He had to study a bunch of language concepts, automata theory, syntax and features trade-offs, etc.

- write a game

He would gain a good AI notion, multithread programming, really interactiveness, performance skills.

- write an OS

He would face low level programming, concurrency, scheduling, memory management, hardware interface.

- write a DBMS

Data structure and algorithms, SQL parsing, optimizing, caching strategies.

Each of them using a distinct language from different paradigms. Of course your software has not to be new Ruby, Linux, Oracle or Half Life. But it really has to be serious. You have to build the best software you can and improve it everyday as an exercise. Though, your regular job is gonna be a bit easier.

And you, what’s your suggestion?

No, I had never write any of them yet. Yeap, it’s a shame. But I am going to start it this year.