Programmers don’t need to be “smart”

I recently overheard someone say that to be a programmer, “you have to be smart”. Putting aside the debate of what it means to “be smart”, I can say with absolute confidence, that this is not the case. A good programmer/developer/webby person will typically flourish with four traits (of which “smart” is not one).

  • an interest in languages or math
  • enjoys problem-solving
  • learns well on their own
  • works well on their own

While these are the four traits that have allowed me to earn a rewarding living as a developer, I’d say 1, 3, and 4 are even optional depending on your work environment.

The best programmers I know are the best because of personalities and traits that match well with the industry, not anything related to IQ. And like most work, human skills are the top of the requirements list to be successful and get things done.

Published by

Kirk Wight

I am a Code Wrangler at Automattic, helping make WordPress.com the best it can be. Pender Island, British Columbia, Canada is where I call home. Lover, not a fighter.

One thought on “Programmers don’t need to be “smart””

  1. That is pretty vague by the person who said it. In fact, i just don’t even understand what being “smart” means. Anyone can learn to do anything which he/she has interest in. Interest leads to hard work and hard work leads to success.

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