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>Do you really want to be the best programmer in the world? One of the best, yes. >What does it mean to be the best programmer in the world? I want to do inc

>Do you really want to be the best programmer in the world? One of the best, yes. >What does it mean to be the best programmer in the world? I want to do incredible things. And those things don't need to include buzzwords. I want to solve big problems. I want to increase the quality of software in general, including the development experience. I haven't really thought about working for FAANG. Money doesn't interest me. Interesting problems do. Thank you for the high quality answer.

GianFabien 4y ago
"Incredible things" ? There are so many potential fields. I would presume that "incredible" does not include yet another advertising channel, e.g. Meta/Alphabet/Amazon. What about detection and treatment of various cancers; advancing the state of DNA techniques for better treatments, detection of diseases; new forms of energy storage, e.g. flow-batteries; assist conservation, e.g. detecting illegal deforestation and implementing rapid response; track and rescue endangered species; etc. Being a good programmer is table stakes. It is your knowledge and work within a specialized domain that leads to incredible accomplishments. Explore and enjoy the adventure.
ohiovr 4y ago
Then find a secret that was forgotten and blow it up to larger than life proportions. Or solve the problem of endlessly waiting at a traffic light waiting it to go green when the streets have been empty for a minute. Think of how much fuel that would save. Find a bite sized solution for something incredible but before you do, imagine ways in which it can make a return to your wallet. Realize that these sorts of things take a very long time to discover but you will know exactly what it is when you find it if you know there is no alternative to it. The vast majority of my interest led no where but one did lead and it was the discovery of a popular textbook written in the 1800s which happens to be popular today. I used the material for an app that was pretty successful for a number of years. Self publishing is tricky. Perhaps find something like a bread and butter throw together thing. It can be amazing that people have learned how to turn a server in their bedroom into a 2k per month source of cash. Then you will have total freedom to explore any avenue, no matter how unlikely it is to pull it off.
groffee 4y ago
> I want to increase the quality of software in general, including the development experience. That just absolutely screams lack of experience. If you think some software is lacking, then by all means knock yourself out and try to improve it. If you're having issues with your 'development experience' then that's you, not the industry in general. Also development is not programming.
- owenpalmer 4y ago
  >That just absolutely screams lack of experience. No, I think it shows I understand that many systems developers are forced to work with are poor design. You are misinterpreting me. I don't blindly accept a system because everyone uses it. I understand what is happening under the hood and know it could be better.
peter_d_sherman 4y ago
Thank you for the high quality question! >I want to do incredible things. And those things don't need to include buzzwords. I want to solve big problems. OK, do you want to solve big problems solely in/with/by programming/software -- or do you wish to engage in problem solving where Programming -- is only one of many domains used to solve problems (sort of like cross-domain problem solving, where the solution to a problem may include elements of software/programming -- but also elements from other fields, including (but not limited to!) such things as Psychology, Philosophy, Business Theory, Math, Physics, Engineering, etc.) ? >I want to increase the quality of software in general How? >including the development experience. What specifically don't you like about the development experience? ? (Note: It's OK not to like aspects of software development -- each software developer has their own specific dislikes -- I only ask this question to get more information to help me figure out exactly what you're trying to do! If I can, then maybe I can help!)

GianFabien 4y ago

"Incredible things" ? There are so many potential fields. I would presume that "incredible" does not include yet another advertising channel, e.g. Meta/Alphabet/Amazon. What about detection and treatment of various cancers; advancing the state of DNA techniques for better treatments, detection of diseases; new forms of energy storage, e.g. flow-batteries; assist conservation, e.g. detecting illegal deforestation and implementing rapid response; track and rescue endangered species; etc. Being a good programmer is table stakes. It is your knowledge and work within a specialized domain that leads to incredible accomplishments. Explore and enjoy the adventure.

ohiovr 4y ago

Then find a secret that was forgotten and blow it up to larger than life proportions. Or solve the problem of endlessly waiting at a traffic light waiting it to go green when the streets have been empty for a minute. Think of how much fuel that would save. Find a bite sized solution for something incredible but before you do, imagine ways in which it can make a return to your wallet. Realize that these sorts of things take a very long time to discover but you will know exactly what it is when you find it if you know there is no alternative to it. The vast majority of my interest led no where but one did lead and it was the discovery of a popular textbook written in the 1800s which happens to be popular today. I used the material for an app that was pretty successful for a number of years. Self publishing is tricky. Perhaps find something like a bread and butter throw together thing. It can be amazing that people have learned how to turn a server in their bedroom into a 2k per month source of cash. Then you will have total freedom to explore any avenue, no matter how unlikely it is to pull it off.

groffee 4y ago

> I want to increase the quality of software in general, including the development experience. That just absolutely screams lack of experience. If you think some software is lacking, then by all means knock yourself out and try to improve it. If you're having issues with your 'development experience' then that's you, not the industry in general. Also development is not programming.

owenpalmer 4y ago
>That just absolutely screams lack of experience. No, I think it shows I understand that many systems developers are forced to work with are poor design. You are misinterpreting me. I don't blindly accept a system because everyone uses it. I understand what is happening under the hood and know it could be better.

peter_d_sherman 4y ago

Thank you for the high quality question! >I want to do incredible things. And those things don't need to include buzzwords. I want to solve big problems. OK, do you want to solve big problems solely in/with/by programming/software -- or do you wish to engage in problem solving where Programming -- is only one of many domains used to solve problems (sort of like cross-domain problem solving, where the solution to a problem may include elements of software/programming -- but also elements from other fields, including (but not limited to!) such things as Psychology, Philosophy, Business Theory, Math, Physics, Engineering, etc.) ? >I want to increase the quality of software in general How? >including the development experience. What specifically don't you like about the development experience? ? (Note: It's OK not to like aspects of software development -- each software developer has their own specific dislikes -- I only ask this question to get more information to help me figure out exactly what you're trying to do! If I can, then maybe I can help!)