Programming Perspectives

Many fail to ponder why not every athlete can match the skills of legends like Stephen Curry or Michael Jordan, why some electricians excel while others falter, or why top students may still struggle in school. The reality is that programming has become increasingly accessible. Thanks to sophisticated development tools, comprehensive online manuals, and forums rich with examples, many programmers rely on existing solutions. They often find that a significant portion of their tasks has already been addressed by others, whether through libraries or advanced programming languages and visual development environments.

In many cases, basic knowledge of a programming language, combined with a healthy dose of copy-pasting from resources like StackOverflow, suffices to produce functional software. The landscape is such that the majority of challenges have already been tackled; what we are often engaged in is merely "development" rather than "research." Companies frequently request replicas of already existing applications, such as new e-commerce platforms or integrations with services like Google Maps and Facebook. Anyone who knows how to code and can effectively search for information can typically produce a program that meets client expectations, even if it lacks optimization or is vulnerable to security threats.

While there are sectors that demand specialized knowledge, such as embedded systems, I have consistently encountered skilled programmers who possess the necessary expertise.

As in any profession, some individuals approach programming merely as a job. This isn't inherently negative, but such programmers will likely not infuse passion into their work. They won't dedicate extra time to enhance features, take work home, or engage in personal projects, nor will they derive satisfaction from their software being utilized by a large audience. Their primary motivation is often a steady paycheck. This phenomenon is common across various fields; however, unlike a painter whose subpar work is immediately visible, poorly written code can go unnoticed, allowing mediocre programmers to thrive without consequence.

Programming involves both logical and creative elements. Only a select few possess the necessary blend of skills. Just as a painter must understand artistic principles as well as the science of color and perspective, a skilled programmer must combine technical know-how with an appreciation for aesthetics. This leads to code that is not just functional, but also elegant and easy for peers to read and appreciate. Often, the most effective code is also the most concise, making it illogical to pay programmers based on the volume of lines they produce.

At a more advanced level, writing code is insufficient; one must also conceptualize the architecture of applications and how they interact with various systems, including users, databases, and mobile devices. While one doesn't need to be an expert in every area, a general understanding of numerous concepts, often acquired through experience and collaboration with other proficient programmers, is essential.

Management often prefers not to engage with exceptional programmers, as they tend to be more challenging to oversee and satisfy. A skilled programmer will quickly become disenchanted if their tasks lack complexity. An appropriate environment is crucial; if one finds themselves as the sole talented programmer among a group of average peers, they may either feel disheartened or seek out more stimulating surroundings, contributing to a brain drain, myself included.

Furthermore, there are inherent challenges. The rapid evolution of technology means only some can keep pace. When new frameworks emerge every six months or multiple languages are required (for example, JavaScript or TypeScript on the front end, and Java or C# on the back end, plus SQL for databases or Python for AI), the sheer volume of information can become overwhelming. Not everyone can fluidly transition between languages or levels of abstraction; sometimes, even capable programmers settle into a comfort zone with familiar technologies, gradually becoming less adept over time.

Lastly, the issue of burnout cannot be overlooked. Sustained high-level programming can lead to fatigue, and only a few manage to maintain peak performance over the years. Some may choose to shift into management roles (especially when technical skills aren't acknowledged), pursue different careers, or start their own ventures to better manage workloads, all of which contributes to a dwindling number of active, high-caliber programmers.

My viewpoint may be somewhat biased and incomplete, and I welcome differing opinions.

Stackademic 🎓

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Before you leave, consider showing your support by clapping and following the writer! 👏 Connect with us on X | LinkedIn | YouTube | Discord. Explore more content at Stackademic.com.