I'm sure there's an algorithm that will explore the search space according to some heuristic and get you there. </pun> The thing I've consistently found that d

I'm sure there's an algorithm that will explore the search space according to some heuristic and get you there. </pun> The thing I've consistently found that differentiates really great developers from the rest is the ability to think conceptually about problems. There are tons of people out there who may be able to implement something according to all sorts of best practices and patterns, but who can't actually reason about why those practices are there and when they become a hindrance. This ability to reason about the act of programming isn't a sufficient condition for an "A" developer, but it's necessary. You simply won't ever know what to work on or how to improve otherwise.