The pure joy and rush of programming

I love programming. It gives me a rush. It gives me so much energy. If I’m tired, I will be wide awake as soon as I start programming. So what can it be that is so great? How can I make something useful out of this passion? What kind of person any way gets such a passion? What should I do if I lose this passion?

I believe a programmer is a person who likes to be creative.

But also structured.

I believe that all those who like to solve crosswords, sudokus, knit or bake a cake, have the perfect basics for becoming a passionate programmer.

Therefore, it is remarkable that there are so few knitting old ladies that consider programming as a hobby. Why is that so? They can do it! They would love it. Instead of knitting parties, why not a Hello World over a cup of tea?

I believe that in professional working situations, it is essential to have passionate programmers. In the same way as I believe that it is essential that leaders are passionate about leading. Wrong person in wrong place is disastrous.

A passionate person does more than the minimum requirements…which is good!

So what is so great about programming? Usually I feel that the more impossible the task feels, the more the rush.

My first programmer job ever was actually as a Cobol programmer, even though I was educated in C++.

So when I got the first clean compile in my Cobol program, I just screamed hurrah loud in pure joy. Some senior programmers thought it was fun and energizing to see that a clean compile actually could create such a joy.

However, once you are used with a syntax and basics of a language, it usually takes more to get that rush.

Nowadays the rush is triggered by other things.

When I look in messy legacy code and finally figure out how it is supposed to work and maybe how to make it better – I get a rush. Legacy code can give a rush! Hurrah.

However, nowadays, I most of all get a rush when I learn new things.

When I realise how I can programme better or cleaner.

But also when I learn new techniques. Languages, tools and frameworks – to be more precise.

If I try a new technique or script language, then a working Hello World can make me happy enough to take a coffe break and at least a little say Hurrah. And it is good to take a break, because it is after the working Hello World, that the real struggle begins. And more rush! Hurrah.

So how can I make something useful out of this passion? Well, as long as it makes me happy, its useful enough! And I can learn more. Maybe teach others? Maybe get the old knitting ladies to also see the greatness of programming…?

The main thing for me now is to figure out how to make it ever lasting. How to make programming so exciting that it will always make so happy. I think the best is:

1. Make applications that I can be proud of.
2. Always strive to be a better programmer, find new better ways.
3. Experience new techniques. Upgrade and be in touch with cutting edge technology. Feel the future.
4. Make some own applications in my spare time that will make me economical independent – in short a millionaire…

In any case – my last word must be – if an organisation turns a programmer from being passionate to be inpassionate – it is very tragic. And it is unnecessary! And what a waste of good talent. Don’t ever let it happen.

Find out if the passion is disappearing and do something about it. It’s worth it. A million times.