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How does one get motivated enough to say - you know what, I'm going to create a new programming language? How do they keep it going when they face hurdles? How

How does one get motivated enough to say - you know what, I'm going to create a new programming language? How do they keep it going when they face hurdles? How long did it take to develop this? I'm struggling to start any in-depth project. I can do stuff - make a small app - here and there. But the thought of starting something is so daunting and intimidating. The irony is that I built a small but working language as part of the compilers course in college. I feel like I know so much more know but can't bring myself to develop something that reflects that.

jressey 7y ago
It is 100% a-ok that you don't want to do such a large project. It would also be a-ok if you wanted to. I've observed that for some people, obsessing over a software project is as natural as breathing. Not me though, I have completely stopped doing side projects and exchange code for cash.
josevalim 7y ago
I personally started the whole thing for learning purposes. I don't have a computer science background, so it was exciting to learn all of the different concepts. Most of it was initially driven by curiosity and challenge. But it is also worth saying my first attempt (at Elixir) sucked and it demotivated me to work on the project for 6 to 8 months. It was only later I learned/figured out some of the answers or possible solutions to the problems I was having and that motivated me to work on it again. Once I asked my partners to let me work part-time on the language, I prepared myself it would have to be a long term effort (at least 2 years). Then people started using it and that in itself kept me going (and it has been like that for almost 9 years now). In all fairness, I also do struggle with motivation when starting hobby projects, even more larger ones, and especially if most of the challenges have been addressed. Also what keeps me motivated changed throughout the years, so I try to be mindful of that.

jressey 7y ago

It is 100% a-ok that you don't want to do such a large project. It would also be a-ok if you wanted to. I've observed that for some people, obsessing over a software project is as natural as breathing. Not me though, I have completely stopped doing side projects and exchange code for cash.

josevalim 7y ago

I personally started the whole thing for learning purposes. I don't have a computer science background, so it was exciting to learn all of the different concepts. Most of it was initially driven by curiosity and challenge. But it is also worth saying my first attempt (at Elixir) sucked and it demotivated me to work on the project for 6 to 8 months. It was only later I learned/figured out some of the answers or possible solutions to the problems I was having and that motivated me to work on it again. Once I asked my partners to let me work part-time on the language, I prepared myself it would have to be a long term effort (at least 2 years). Then people started using it and that in itself kept me going (and it has been like that for almost 9 years now). In all fairness, I also do struggle with motivation when starting hobby projects, even more larger ones, and especially if most of the challenges have been addressed. Also what keeps me motivated changed throughout the years, so I try to be mindful of that.