When I was younger, the first real thing that grabbed me was magic (after reading, of course!). To me, programming is like magic. It's that aha moment that you

When I was younger, the first real thing that grabbed me was magic (after reading, of course!). To me, programming is like magic. It's that aha moment that you can induce in people (and yourself), that leaves them baffled and amazed (the sanskrit word for this is ascarya, wonderment). Unfortunately, computer programs share two unfortunate aspects of magic: (1) The trick, once repeated, rarely evokes the same reaction in the audience.[0] (2) The implementation details are often mundane and boring (to laymen) when compared to the effect produced. [0] i.e., I don't experiences moments of amazement every time I do a Google Search, but I certainly did the first time! edit: formatting.