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losing interest in mechanics of programming

Started by etothex Dec 18, 2006 at 6:01 AM 11 replies 2k views

Original Post

Dec 18, 2006 at 6:01 AM

So I just wrapped up a semester of basically all math, which finishes all of the math requirements for my undergrad degree (though I probably will take more). But after all that theory, I was really itching to actually build something cool. But now I've noticed something - I don't really care about the mechanics of programming anymore. Looking up API's, reading sample code, even designing the class structure of my program...it all seems boring and like a lot of work. The trivial details of writing a program - debugging, formatting input and output properly, writing the syntax out, etc...I'd much rather design an algorithm for something and write it up in pseudocode. Speaking of language - I kinda feel like I never want to write a program in C++ again (given all it's little idiosyncrasies, like include files, wild-west pointers, or even just the seemingly endless stream of odd syntax) and that I just want to write everything in, say, Python. Like, I just got a mac laptop a few months ago and this is my first opportunity to really code for it. I tried reading some Cocoa and objective-C tutorials...and it really is very easy...but I just don't care if I know any of it or not anymore. Positive change? Permanent, or just temporary 'cause my mind's stuck on math? I dunno any of this. Thanks for reading my rant :)

ToohrVyk

Dec 18, 2006 at 6:11 AM

I've underwent this shift some time ago as well (right between my first and second year in college). The shift was quite drastic, moving from all-nighters hackishly developing a 3D engine in C++ to theoretical concepts about algorithms, languages, and clever problem-solving.

I believe I took advantage of this shift by starting to use functional programming languages (Objective Caml in particular) which map more efficiently on my mathematical way of thinking. I still use imperative programming languages from time to time, but my approach to programming has changed radically. I could only wish for it to be the case for you as well.

I also started thinking less in terms of implementation, and more in terms of implementation strategy, delving into software engineering, software design, development techniques and the "know how to know how to program" meta-programming state of mind in general.

In the end, starting to consider program-writing as an undesireable thing is, in my opinion, a necessary step towards becoming a good programmer. Because, once you start avoiding work, you'll become more and more clever about getting your point across to the computer in as little work as possible, and this is a very good thing to know.

Pipo DeClown

Dec 18, 2006 at 6:26 AM

This behavior gives you an advantage against programming nuts. I'd say: go for the method you prefer, but try not to forget the other.

kordova

Dec 18, 2006 at 6:53 AM

I agree that it is a natural progression. I bought my first Mac (well, first three) this year and picked up a couple of books on Cocoa only to find that I do not really want to work with it any more than I do C++ at this point. All my major (released) development I do in Python and Ruby now, and I have been experimenting with Haskell, Erlang and others.

twix

Dec 18, 2006 at 9:00 AM

I've got this too.

I love to program, so long as what I'm programming is a solution to some interesting problem. The other 90% required to actually make a usable piece of software bores the hell out of me now. As does learning new languages, APIs, and technologies. I used to be fascinated by technology in and of itself, but now I couldn't care less about it. Instead, I'm only interested in technology in the context of solving cool problems.

Sigh, I guess I'm not cut out to be a professional programmer. Oh well, I was planning to go to grad school anyway. [grin]

My only regret is that I can't read programming books anymore. I used to absolutely love them, but now I only use references. [sad]

mikeman

Dec 18, 2006 at 9:29 AM

You've just come to the point where you don't like coding anymore. That is a good thing. One time I found exciting working with Assembly, now I get depressed when I have to touch languages like C++. Solving problems is fun, battling against a syntax,a compiler and segfaults is not.

Nothing is stopping you from concetrating on higher-level languages(besides you mentioned you know Python), but don't completely forget coding in C/C++ and the like, it's a necessary evil.

Sneftel

Dec 18, 2006 at 9:37 AM

Quote:
Original post by etothex
But now I've noticed something - I don't really care about the mechanics of programming anymore. Looking up API's, reading sample code, even designing the class structure of my program...it all seems boring and like a lot of work. The trivial details of writing a program - debugging, formatting input and output properly, writing the syntax out, etc...I'd much rather design an algorithm for something and write it up in pseudocode.

Boy, howdy. The further a language is from how you're already thinking about an algorithm (i.e. pseudocode) the worse it is. And your instincts are right: C/C++ are BAD in this respect.

If you know C++. you know C++. You're unlikely to forget it. (Though practice never hurts.) And it sounds like you know How To Program, so don't worry too much about picking a career-advancing language. Go with something proven-easy, like Python.

If you really want to jump-start your love of programming, though, and you haven't worked with functional languages at all, learn OCaml. Functional programming will break open your head, screw with your brain, and make you love it.

Eelco

Dec 18, 2006 at 10:14 AM

im in the same boat basically. switching to c# from D has helped quite some in that regard, but still, the coding itself becomes a hurdle after a while, while it used to be half the fun.

ive played with another thought recently though: maybe the problem is thinking too far ahead? i often think really really far ahead before writing down any code, and then i think: wow i know i could accomplish this and that; but having already arived at the endresult in your mind, actually making your way there isnt nearly as statisfying, as you dont get to amaze yourself any longer. so maybe just sitting down and code is a much more productive start of a project, even though youll be rewriting like crazy.

BeanDog

Dec 18, 2006 at 10:35 AM

Freak. C++ roxors my soxors. [wink]

DevLiquidKnight

Dec 18, 2006 at 11:02 AM

It might also be good to pick up UML if you have not already. It is great because then you can model your algorithm or code. Along with convert to any language you please, of course it takes time coding. The design is a major portion of the work anyways causing you to be less "bored" programming.

Few other possibilities are: you say you like python, why not use an engine such as torque and utilize torque script? You can do all those nifty things you want to with less hassle.

guywithknife

Dec 18, 2006 at 3:31 PM

I'm sort of the same.
I used to simply love coding, now I need to work on interesting things (at the moment I'm playing with microcontrollers, radically different programming language ideas, operating system development, a little bit of gamedev and a few other crazy things). I don't get the same kick from learning programming languages as I used to either, now I only get that when I learn languages that are really different to those I already know. (Forth being the one I'm currently interested in, OCaml was the language I was interested in this time last year).
I still like writing code in Python though, simply because I find it gets in my way less than C++ or Java and their OO/imperative friends.

Senses777

Dec 19, 2006 at 2:40 AM

Low level stuff is new and exciting for a bit for me but I'm always more interested in really understanding and creating than learning pointless syntaxes or writing out ambiguous statements ala C++. I prefer coding in PHP and would like to see PHP style variable, string, and array/map handling implemented as a C++ pre-compiler.

Mage2k

Dec 19, 2006 at 9:42 AM

Ruby will fix those woes.

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