Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Meta-blog: Programming: love it or leave it.

Yes, I know Orin doesn't believe in meta-blogging, but this is a topic that is close to heart. I'm referring to Jeff Atwood's recent comments regarding programming as a career and specifically Joel Spolsky's remarks. I have to say I am in total agreement. While programming wasn't my first (or second) career choice growing up I have fallen totally in love over the last 15 years with software craftsmanship. Software programming is an 'excellent career' that will feed you daily challenges and mind puzzles to work over. How many job's out that evolve on a daily basis? I do totally commend the original authors aspirations to obtain a new degree. Personally, I think everybody should be updating their personal skill sets and knowledge core over the course of their life. I don't believe education is ever completed; regardless of life's course.

I have worked for large ISV's, micro ISV's and in house IT honing my craft and have never been bored. I have met many fellow developers that grumbled and griped and it never failed to amaze me that they don't share the same passion I do.

I agree totally Jeff: Programming: love it or leave it.

But then like Jeff, I am spending New Years Eve working on Black Freight and updating my blog.