Is programming fun ?

[Alienware Gamer ALX]

or boring?

 

[KB]

Depends on the project. Some projects, particularly ones that require thought and get immediate results are really fun. I will be working on them and suddenly realize I was supposed to be home an hour ago. Other projects, especially ones geared toward data entry, are repetitious and boring.

 

[Murloc]

I think it's entertaining but I've only completed small hobby projects for now.

 

[purbeast0]

I enjoy programming a lot. I prefer doing stuff with a backend and database. There's something really rewarding about coding the entire pipeline yourself and doing something on a client/webpage, making a call to the backend that then does more stuff including reaching out to another database server, then having it bring the data back to the client and doing something with it all on the client. And it's doing all of that in basically an instant. It's just a good feeling and rewarding.

The most rewarding feeling IMO is when you actually start something from scratch. Full blown apps or software are the best, but even in existing apps when you get a large feature that you start from the ground up it's a lot of fun too.

That said, there are for sure boring aspects in software development, such as going to meetings or having to deal with people who run projects that have no clue about how software development works. It can put you into a lot of head scratching moments and it can become very unmotivating.

 

[Chaotic42]

I like it in general. I really enjoy implementing some weird algorithm or making some function as small and fast as possible. Once you get out to systems programming and web stuff, my eyes start to glaze over. I'd be happy writing drivers or code for satellites and such. The thing is to find some task you need done and do it. Writing sample code out of textbooks or simple little functions to find primes is nice, but you get a real sense of satisfaction from taking an idea and turning it into a working product.

 

[Red Squirrel]

I think it's fun if it's for yourself, you can code something that helps you perform a task or do something you want to do. Probably less fun in a commercial environment. Though I guess it really depends what you're working on. I only really code as a hobby as there is like zero programming jobs here, so I'm not sure how it is commercially but I imagine it's not as fun as hobby stuff. That goes with anything I suppose.

There is something rewarding about thinking of something, visualizing it, coding it, and then actually seeing it in action.

Microcontroller programming is a whole separate league that is very rewarding too as you can code stuff that interacts with the physical world.

 

[DaveSimmons]

I work full-time as a lead developer, mostly C++ Windows apps with a bit of PHP server coding on the side. It's a small company so I'm not pigeonholed into one tiny corner of massive applications.

There are some tedious bits now and then but more often than not it's either fun or at least satisfying. As a wise man once said, "I love it when a plan comes together."

It helps if you're good at formal logic and get some enjoyment out of solving puzzles. If you struggle to understand code or if any setbacks make you want to give up then you'll probably experience more frustration than fun.

 

[LevelSea]

It usually cycles between tedious, frustrating, exciting, and enlightening. Some days are better than others. I do mostly embedded stuff and desktop apps to interact with the embedded stuff, so there are a lot of intermediate goals between the final product.

 

[bshole]

I enjoy programming a lot. I prefer doing stuff with a backend and database. There's something really rewarding about coding the entire pipeline yourself and doing something on a client/webpage, making a call to the backend that then does more stuff including reaching out to another database server, then having it bring the data back to the client and doing something with it all on the client. And it's doing all of that in basically an instant. It's just a good feeling and rewarding.

The most rewarding feeling IMO is when you actually start something from scratch. Full blown apps or software are the best, but even in existing apps when you get a large feature that you start from the ground up it's a lot of fun too.

That said, there are for sure boring aspects in software development, such as going to meetings or having to deal with people who run projects that have no clue about how software development works. It can put you into a lot of head scratching moments and it can become very unmotivating.

I can say that EMBEDDED programming is about as close to SEX as you can get. I still can't believe that I get paid to do something that is so much fun.

 

[Alienware Gamer ALX]

I can say that EMBEDDED programming is about as close to SEX as you can get. I still can't believe that I get paid to do something that is so much fun.

!!!

 

[dave_the_nerd]

I think it's like crossword or jigsaw puzzles. Do you do those for fun? Would you want to do them for a living? Complete the monthly Dell Crossword magazine by tuesday or you're fired? Rather do crosswords than have sex?

 

[sao123]

programming is fun.
requirements analysis and project charters are not.

 

[exdeath]

Programming metal > *

No OS no BIOS, just you and the machine.

There's nothing like it.

SQL and HTML type stuff bores me to tears.

But writing your own machine and instruction set in VHDL, synthesizing it, then writing software for it, and watching it spring to life...Yeah it's fun.

 

[adamantine.me]

I've heard of people say they had a passion for it and tried to make a career out of it, and it turned out to be monotonous. Vice versa. I agree with previous comments: find something YOU want/need done and go DO it. The problem solving aspect of programming is something that keeps me engaged for hours. Then finally seeing the code run/output stream down the console is priceless.

I'd like to hear peoples experience with programming for automation/bots.

 

[Red Squirrel]

I never coded automation professionally, but I imagine it is very satisfying. I coded my own hvac control, basically a fancy thermostat, and to be able to tweak stuff and see it work is pretty rewarding. My house temp is kept at various points throughout the day based on what shift I'm working, or I can override it etc... It's neat to see it all work like clock work. That's more on the side of building automation and not bots though, but I imagine both types of automation are very similar, but bots/factory automation is just faster. Would definitely be cool to program those arms you see in factories.

 

[ringtail]

Does NOT depend on the project....


it depends 100% on your individual personality. It’s down to Y-O-U.


Programming is “fun” on occasions when you self-discipline your attention onto some problem, for a long time, probably suffering your way through LOTS of iterations of try / fail /rinse /repeat...


then FINALLY solve it ……aahhhhh Satori!. It’s “fun” like grad school was when at the end of an insanely difficult academic quarter, the crazy pressure got relieved for maybe 2 or 3 days….ahhhh you’re free floating…then back into the real work of prepping for next quarter. F U N !!! Hey I’m going to Disneyland (or in my case Todos Santos and Shark Park).


Or say maybe you work long & hard and weevil into deep understanding of nuanced programming details in some tiny niche that few people understand. Now you know what they don’t, and can wield your programming know-how to hack other people's privacy?

Is that "fun?"

Yes.

And becoming a good versatile programmer will CERTAINTLY pay $ $ - BUT you’ve got to get validated as credible in programming whatever you claim….Certs? Employer recommendations? Gotta get yer ticket punched somehow.

 

[William Gaatjes]

It can be fun, but sometimes it can be tedious at times especially when you are searching a lot for explanations how api application programming interfaces work.That can be very time consuming and annoying when it takes too much time.
When you get something working it can give a lot of joy. But it can be nagging when you are so close and there is one problem that you have not been able to figure out how to solve it.
Most of the time it is fun, learning new stuff.

 

[William Gaatjes]

I do have to say, with making a real program for the pc and it works and also the embedded stuff, making the hardware and software and see it working. It is like an orgasm.
Just as when making a program for the pc and the goal you had is reached.
And then the feeling is over and you go to the next project or to the next step adding more functionality.

C'est la vie

 

[Broheim]

yes, although not as much by itself. I enjoy the whole lifecycle, taking it from just a vague idea in the clients head to finished solution in production (agile only though).

I'd be bored if I was just a monkey with a wrench.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Not a programmer but, studied it in school. The problem solving is enjoyable but, associating with programmers not so much.

 

[Chaotic42]

Not a programmer but, studied it in school. The problem solving is enjoyable but, associating with programmers not so much.

Yep. I love working with the customers and being one of only two developers. I don't usually get along well with developers and engineers

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Yep. I love working with the customers and being one of only two developers. I don't usually get along well with developers and engineers

I found the same to be true in accounting. Something strange about the mindsets of those attracted to each job. They're both populated by insular personalities.

 

[Chaotic42]

I found the same to be true in accounting. Something strange about the mindsets of those attracted to each job. They're both populated by insular personalities.

I fit in well with the geography crowd. A nice mix of computer nerd and outdoor enthusiast.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

I fit in well with the geography crowd. A nice mix of computer nerd and outdoor enthusiast.

It's an important consideration. Work is not just the acquired knowledge and skill set, it's the environment you work in. The corporate world makes me go postal.