Think a little about why you enjoy what you enjoy.
Why do you code? What do you like about it? I’ve been asking myself these questions, but I haven’t quite found the answer yet. Maybe there’s no single answer, after all. For me, it’s an ensemble; there’s a whole range of reasons that make programming so enticing to me. For example, I feel like…
Programming is like writing a poem. A beautiful set of words that fit well together; ideally short & sweet. Finding the right balance is tricky, but very rewarding once you do.
Programming is like solving a puzzle. Each piece has its own place, and the satisfaction of fitting them all together can be immensely gratifying. The most experienced developers realise there’s often a plethora of solutions to the same problem, and finding that perfect fit can be just as rewarding as solving a tricky challenge.
Programming is like painting. Paul Graham wrote a whole essay about it. Hackers and Painters have so much in common, indeed. They’re both makers; they want to make their masterpiece, and every little detail matters just as much as the big picture.
Programming is like an indoor plant. You nurture it, cut here and there from time to time. Refactoring code is a bit like caring for a bonsai tree: the branches you cut might grow back stronger.
Programming is like building an airplane. It has to be lean and fast, so the less it carries, the better. Less is more; you know it’s ready to fly when you removed as much as you could, and there’s nothing else to add.
Programming is a fun activity. I love spending hours every day thinking about solutions to problems—sometimes my own, sometimes other people’s—I just find it fun and exciting. Being able to create something from a blank slate, is what inspires me the most.
Ultimately, coding is much more than a technical skill; it’s a way of thinking that can permeate through every aspect of your life.
What inspires you to code?