For me, it's the code. Making existing code better, finding elegant solutions, learning new tools and tricks, and helping other programmers improve. When the co

For me, it's the code. Making existing code better, finding elegant solutions, learning new tools and tricks, and helping other programmers improve. When the code's new, it's like sculpting crossed with poetry, but testable. When the code's old and crufty it's like restoring an old car. I'm just glad that a big stable company is willing to pay me to do it, I don't really care that we're not curing cancer. Taking personal pride in a business you don't own invites heartbreak anyway...