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A lot of people seem to be offended by this article when I think all the author was trying to say is that opening yourself to other, non-programming related stu

A lot of people seem to be offended by this article when I think all the author was trying to say is that opening yourself to other, non-programming related stuff simply helps you become a better programmer as a whole. I honestly don't think he's suggesting you should be a pro at all those other points, just have a fairly good knowledge of them. I personally find that, on top of the points mentioned in the article, a large number of programmers I've met or have had the chance to interview have a crucial lack of extra-curricular activities. While it's true most can code, a lot less are able to come up with creative solutions on the spot, and I do think this is a skill that stems from looking "beyond the code". And yes, as some people have mentioned, I also think it applies to other jobs. In fact I think a lot of jobs require very similar skills, it's just the different application of a given mindset.

alanctgardner2 14y ago
It's one thing to say that programmers (and everyone, really) should have a hobby outside of work. This is a laundry list of vague ideas - 'Startup' is not a skill - that the author insists every person who programs for a living should be interested in. What exactly is 'looking beyond the code'? Can you give an example of a problem where two equally skilled programmers were faced with a problem, and one had an epiphany based on their experience last night at the extreme underwater basket weaving club?
- grownseed 14y ago
  I agree this isn't a particularly refined article, I'm just saying he does make a point. A lot of programmers, myself included, have a tendency to be a bit narrow-minded. And no, I suppose I don't have a specific example. I just notice that the programmers I know who are more than just coders are considerably more efficient, and come up with better, cleaner solutions. This is, of course, only speaking from personal experience. And in regards to your "extreme underwater basket weaving club" example, well, maybe it does. I learnt Latin for a while and as useless as it may seem on a day-to-day basis, it did wonders to my logical thinking.

alanctgardner2 14y ago

It's one thing to say that programmers (and everyone, really) should have a hobby outside of work. This is a laundry list of vague ideas - 'Startup' is not a skill - that the author insists every person who programs for a living should be interested in. What exactly is 'looking beyond the code'? Can you give an example of a problem where two equally skilled programmers were faced with a problem, and one had an epiphany based on their experience last night at the extreme underwater basket weaving club?

grownseed 14y ago
I agree this isn't a particularly refined article, I'm just saying he does make a point. A lot of programmers, myself included, have a tendency to be a bit narrow-minded. And no, I suppose I don't have a specific example. I just notice that the programmers I know who are more than just coders are considerably more efficient, and come up with better, cleaner solutions. This is, of course, only speaking from personal experience. And in regards to your "extreme underwater basket weaving club" example, well, maybe it does. I learnt Latin for a while and as useless as it may seem on a day-to-day basis, it did wonders to my logical thinking.