Programming _can_ be like an art form and appreciated in isolation. In most cases though programming is a means to and end. In that case you've got to not only

Programming _can_ be like an art form and appreciated in isolation. In most cases though programming is a means to and end. In that case you've got to not only enjoy programming - but also believe in that end. When you do you'll happily wade through all kinds of language, system, and framework quirks and frustrations to get to that end.