3 ms·
> For bad programmers, like bad cooks, the mere mechanics of programming are challenging. Whereas good programmers, like good cooks, can make whatever they cho
by theycallmemorty 16y ago
> For bad programmers, like bad cooks, the mere mechanics of programming are challenging. Whereas good programmers, like good cooks, can make whatever they choose, so for them the big challenge is deciding what to make.
I've always loved the analogy of coding to cooking... a lot more than painting, or architecture.
- alextgordon 16y agoI've just realised that I cook like programmer (or program like a cook). I take a recipe, then cook it multiple times changing different variables (iterating) until I'm satisfied with the results (shipping). The best thing isn't the food, but that you shipped something in a few days ;)
- angrycoder 16y agoThat isn't really an anomaly. That is how you get good at anything. Nobody gets it right the first time and those that only do something once are just dabblers.
- potatolicious 16y agoAnd the best part (just like programming) is that with experience comes the ability to alter the recipes/variables and reliably predict the results, instead of stabbing randomly in the dark.
- zaphar 16y agoYour comment just sparked an idea for me. I keep a cooking journal where I write down the effects of a particular iteration, but I don't do the same for programming. I think I might start doing similar for programming excercises. I'll keep a log and have a series of "recipes" that I iterate on and record the results. It should be both fun and help increase my skill set.