In my recent blog posting "The Secrets to Becoming a Great Programmer" I discuss a couple of characteristics of great programmers. You can read about those characteristics at
The Secrets to Becoming a Great Programmer
What other characteristics make a programmer great? Do you agree with my assessment?
I agree with you all the way, except from one thing:
"Do not reinvent the wheel".
If noone reinvented the wheel, Richard Stallman would not be able to get to his office at Microsoft in time.
-Besides, Michelin would also disagree.
I often reinvent the wheel, because the existing wheels are usually shaped like octagons or worse.
Things that are possible with new wheels would not be possible with the old ones.
However... I'd like to also state that you might be able to improve on those wheels that are already invented, so they'll become usable; if that's possible, go for it!
And one more thing for great programmers: Do not continously work on something 24/7, because there is a risk that you will "burn out".
If that happens, it may take up to 3 or 4 years before you can do just a single line of code again - you do not want that to happen.
Each time it happens, it'll take less time for you to get in that state where you can't get out, so please take good care of yourself!
(And frequently visit places that do not even have a computer close by!)
When I was a teenager and up in my 20s, I do electronics and programming like "I'll sleep when I'm dead." After reading books and articles in physiology and listening to medical practitioners, I adjusted. I agree with your last paragraph. Having adequate rest is not just good for our health it makes us more efficient and productive at work.
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