Bad Programmers

Summary

The speaker discusses the dynamic nature of programming skill, emphasizing that one's ability can improve over time. They differentiate between programming languages designed for meticulous 'good programmers' and those easing the process for 'less skilled' programmers, like Go. The speaker also touches on the role of natural talent and intuition in programming, comparing it to other skills and activities. They conclude by self-identifying as a 'midwit programmer,' suggesting an intermediate level of skill and intuition.

Takeaways

• 🔧 The speaker acknowledges that there are varying levels of skill among programmers but emphasizes that one's programming ability is not fixed and can improve over time.
• 🚀 The speaker suggests that programming languages can be categorized by the level of detail and skill they require from the programmer, with some languages being more suitable for less experienced programmers.
• 🌐 The speaker highlights 'Go' as a language designed to make programming easier by managing memory and garbage collection, thus reducing the burden on the programmer.
• 💡 The concept of natural talent is introduced, with the speaker noting that some individuals possess an innate ability to excel in programming, which may not be achievable through practice alone.
• 🧠 The speaker differentiates between intelligence and wisdom, suggesting that a great programmer not only solves problems but also knows which problems to solve.
• 🎯 The speaker uses the analogy of fishing to illustrate the difference between someone who meticulously calculates the best approach and someone who intuitively knows what to do.
• 🤔 The speaker identifies themselves as a 'midwit' programmer, capable of designing and building software with a certain level of quality but not necessarily possessing exceptional intuition.
• 🛠️ The speaker mentions 'Zig' and 'Rust' as languages designed for more skilled programmers, implying that they require a higher level of understanding and control.
• 🌟 The speaker admires 'coding guys' who can learn and adapt at an extraordinary rate, suggesting that such individuals have a high skill ceiling.
• 📚 The speaker references CS Lewis, discussing the idea that 'instinct' is a term used for processes we do not fully understand, hinting at the complexity of intuitive decision-making in programming.
• 🔄 The speaker concludes by reiterating the idea that languages are designed for different types of programmers, from the smart to the less experienced, and that this design is not inherently wrong.

Q & A

What is the speaker's view on the nature of being a good or bad programmer?

The speaker believes that being a good or bad programmer is not a fixed position. They argue that a bad programmer can become a good one over time, as they did, and that it involves skill improvement rather than an inherent quality.

How does the speaker describe the design of programming languages like Formula 1?

The speaker compares programming languages to Formula 1, suggesting that they are designed for individuals who can and will care about every last detail. These languages are meant for good programmers.

What is the speaker's opinion on the programming language Go?

The speaker initially suggests that Go is designed for good programmers because it makes you think about nil and has garbage collection, but they also note that it's designed to make certain aspects of programming easy, which could be beneficial for less experienced programmers.

What does the speaker believe about the potential for a bad programmer to become a great programmer?

The speaker acknowledges that while most bad programmers can improve, there may be some who, due to lack of natural talent, will never become great programmers, similar to how they could never become an Olympic ping pong player.

How does the speaker view natural talent in programming?

The speaker believes that natural talent plays a significant role in programming. They mention 'coding guys' who can learn at an extraordinary rate, suggesting that some people have an innate ability that sets them apart.

What is the difference between intelligence and wisdom according to the speaker?

The speaker differentiates intelligence as the ability to solve a problem, while wisdom is knowing what problem to solve. They imply that a great programmer possesses both wisdom and intelligence.

What does the speaker mean by 'midwit' in the context of programming?

The speaker uses the term 'midwit' to describe someone who might understand the technical aspects of programming but lacks the intuitive understanding or 'wisdom' that a great programmer possesses.

How does the speaker compare professional fishers to programmers in terms of natural talent?

The speaker compares professional fishers who 'just know' what to do without going through a conscious analytical process to programmers who have an intuitive grasp of programming problems, suggesting that natural talent is crucial in both fields.

What is the speaker's self-assessment in terms of being a programmer?

The speaker self-identifies as more of a 'midwit programmer,' indicating that while they have the ability to design and build software effectively, they may not possess the same level of intuitive understanding as some exceptional programmers.

What does the speaker suggest about the existence of programming languages designed for people with different skill levels?

The speaker suggests that there are programming languages designed for both smart and less experienced programmers, with some languages making programming easier by handling certain complexities automatically.