Ah, but programming is a human activity, and is more than just writing code. It also involves interacting with the people for whom you're preparing programs.

By the age of 16, hanging out at the university computer center, I'd figured out I was good at writing programs. I wasn't the best around -- I can still remember the 12-year-old who made my jaw drop with his knowledge -- but I was pretty good.

I'm now 42. Over the years my "progammer's toolkit" has grown immeasurably, but the skills I've acquired that have made me a better programmer aren't just about writing programs. They include

• the ability to listen and understand the "big picture" behind the programming problem;
• the patience to keep plugging at a frustrating bit of design or code;
• the social skills to interact with co-workers, clients, and subordinates;

and so on.

I certainly don't want to imply that the "stroke of genius" isn't important. But it's not the only thing; maturity and real-world experience count for a lot.

It's part of why I'm happy to see "plays well with others" on my kids' report cards. ;-)

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