About Code Katas -- agreed. They can be used from simply an algorithmic learning viewpoint. They can also be used like an athlete uses weightlifting: Over tim

About Code Katas -- agreed. They can be used from simply an algorithmic learning viewpoint. They can also be used like an athlete uses weightlifting: Over time, certain motions become second nature. When you're talking about such a mentally heavy discipline, it helps to have certain behaviors happen effortlessly. You might otherwise learn these things over time with a large team, but I think certain brains needs this kind of practice. Just like there are different ways of learning any subject, there are different ways of maintaining proficiency (IMHO).