Re: Trained Perl professional or self-taught hack?

I think that in programing, like most other fields of endeavour, there are four main traits:

Those who treat it as work--a means to an end.
Always employed, rarely inspired.
Those who treat it as an artform--an end in itself.
Often inspired, often unemployed.
Those who treat it as a subject, often one of many, to be explored, expanded upon and shared.
Often employed doing something else, or employing others. Always inspiring.
Those who use their knowledge as a cudgle with which to beat others over the head.
Usually employed. Never inspired. Never inspiring.

Most people are a little of all of them. The critical factor is the mix.

Examine what is said, not who speaks -- Silence betokens consent -- Love the truth but pardon error.

Lingua non convalesco, consenesco et abolesco.

Rule 1 has a caveat! -- Who broke the cabal?

Comment on Re: Trained Perl professional or self-taught hack?

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Re^2: Trained Perl professional or self-taught hack? by cazz (Pilgrim) on Apr 01, 2005 at 21:29 UTC
Very well said. There are other factors too, like laziness and hubris. A little of both are required to be a "good" programmer. (But only a little...)	[reply]