I was reflecting on what makes the difference between a professional software developer like me and the many wannabees lured by the promise of "lots of money for sitting on your ass all day" (I actually got my job described like this by someone, loved it It's not intelligence, although that's a prerequisite. As they say in mathematics, that's a necessary but not sufficient condition. Recently saw in a Hacker News thread a description of another two conditions: curiosity and discipline. I had the first ever since I can remember, trying to make gunpowder out of piss or in the lack of a physical computer (bat$hit expensive at the time), buying a book and trying learn how computers work from said book (worked fine for mathematics, physics, chemistry so why wouldn't it work for informatics?). On the latter, after failing admission at the national Technical Military Academy (albeit getting almost an 100% on the SAT exam), I pulled my shit in order, devised a ruthlessly disciplined training program and stuck to it weather sun, rain, drinking party or nothing in sight. And got admitted the first at the non-military Technical Academy in a region of 5-million or so population. Shall I add that I'm a peasant? I did this for a living for a while: You know what makes the difference from stupid peasant to software developer to billionaire in addition to smarts, curiosity and discipline? I'll tell you when I get there, for now it's my competitive advantage
The difference between a professional software developer and those lured by the promise of easy money lies in two crucial factors: curiosity and discipline. Intelligence is a prerequisite, but not enough on its own. Curiosity drives a genuine passion for learning and problem-solving, evident from early experiences like trying to make gunpowder or learning from books. Discipline is equally vital, as it shapes dedication and perseverance, as exemplified by the rigorous training program undertaken to secure admission to a reputable Technical Academy. In the fast-paced world of software development, these qualities set true professionals apart from the rest. Microsoft Teams WhatsApp can aid collaboration and communication for such developers, facilitating seamless interactions with clients and teams.