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The Programmer Identity Crisis

(hojberg.xyz)
270 points imasl42 | 1 comments | 21 Oct 25 16:47 UTC | HN request time: 0s | source
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greymalik ◴[21 Oct 25 17:55 UTC] No.45659146[source]▶
> One could only wonder why they became a programmer in the first place, given their seeming disinterest in coding.

To solve problems. Coding is the means to an end, not the end itself.

> careful configuration of our editor, tinkering with dot files, and dev environments

That may be fun for you, but it doesn’t add value. It’s accidental complexity that I am happy to delegate.

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blashyrk ◴[21 Oct 25 18:09 UTC] No.45659361[source]▶
> coding is the means to an end

...

> doesn't add value

What about intrinsic value? So many programmers on HN seem to just want to be MBAs in their heart of hearts

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1. NeutralCrane ◴[22 Oct 25 03:48 UTC] No.45664729[source]▶
Some of you have never been laid off and it shows.

Intrinsic value is great, where achievable. Companies do not care at all about intrinsic value. I take pride in my work and my craft to the extent I am allowed to, but the reality is that those of us who can’t adapt to the businesses desires will be made obsolete and cut loose, regardless of whatever values we hold.