Why do I keep programming? I enjoy the excitement of finishing a well built program. I feel proud of what I have accomplished. I feel good when I can teach others a few things. I like to learn. It pays good in comparison to the Fast Food Industry.
The problem is that it is very frustrating to get stcuk in complicated statements where syntax is a pain to figure out. It is really painful to spend hours and hours on a program and find out that the end result is broken. I know that these are struggles that all programmers must face. But it is still very frustrating when you reach a hurdle in the process of completing a program.
Hurdles come in many shapes and sizes. There are language limitations, interoperability, portability, and many others. There are also programmer limitations such as lack of experience, understanding complex data structures, learning the APIs and technologies that are out there in order to maintain optimum code. There are always business pressures such as deadlines, budgets, and the annoying smelly co-worker.
Yet we put up with these things. After overcoming all these frustrations and hurldes we manage to stay sane, or at least sane enough to stay out a mental institution (at least most of the time).
I am just curious as to what other people do deal with these obstacles and frustrations? I like to take a deep breath, read a few insightful webpages or pages in books, and have another go at it after I remind myself how rewarding the final product is.
Good Hunting.