I don't claim to be a master programmer myself, and I lack the professional position and educational backing to properly label myself as one. But it makes me extremely proud to be able to say that I can solve most computing problems that cross my path, using the tools that I have available, constructing new ones when necessary. If anything, I would venture to say that that makes me a programmer.

Sure, reading a lot (both code and instructional material) has helped. But I think that what has made me a programmer (if I may be permitted to don extraordinary Hubris{tm} to describe myself thusly) most is that I use my skills as often as I can. Even when I'm working on one item, I test other things using one-liners. Some people have described programming as an art, and some other people have described programming as a science. I personally see it as a merging, a synthesis, of both. Developing one's ability in both is a function of practise: the more one practises, the better one's skill will become as a result of said practise.

I believe that Old_Gray_Bear described programming very accurately, though I have a couple of things to add. I personally see using computer languages to be very homologous to using natural languages. Many have said that learning a new language (natural or otherwise) is like learning a new way to think. It helps to understand at least one language well to serve as a basis for comparison, and to be able to recognise and thus grasp similar constructs. Language itself is part art, part science, and part something else. Unless you have a brilliant natural talent, you need to practise to become skilled with a language. Just as understanding the world can make you a better artist and a better scientist, so too can it make you a better programmer. I applaud Old_Gray_Bear for sharing their wisdom as I attempt to expand it to the slight degree that I can.

In reply to Re: Impending Friardom by sintadil
in thread Impending Friardom by NovMonk

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