I have a degree in computing and I have taken at least half a dozen programming classes. I have taken programing classes and classes with a large programing component when I was doing my undergraduate physics work. I have programmed for various research I have done. I have graded students programming assignments and have written a programming exam for a certification. I have done a lot of programming in my life.
But here is the secret…
I HATE IT. I HATE PROGRAMMING.
It’s not that I am bad at it or that it isn’t my favorite activity, I absolutely hate it and can’t stand doing it in classes or work. I have programmed in about half a dozen different languages (C++, C, C#, Python, Matlab/Octave) have learned ruby on rails, html, and javascript. Yet, I can’t stand programming. I have gotten decent grades in all the classes but it is not for me.
Now programming is an extremely useful skill and can make you a lot of money, and is an integral part of science. As I write this I am relying on programming, the video games I enjoy are built using programming, life saving technology relies on programming. Programing is extremely useful and powerful and I encourage everyone to learn a bit, even if it is just something like html that isn’t really programming. You will learn so much more about how the world works and how computers and the technology we rely on everyday operate. Programming is an enriching skill that even if you spend only an hour in your life working on it, you will become a significantly more informed person. Plus it’s free to learn as long as you have access to a computer (and since you are reading this I assume you do).
What are your thoughts on programming? Comment on my patreon or through twitter to share your thoughts and what your favorite programming language is. Mine is python because it’s easy and fast so I can get it over with.
