Stiff Asks, Raj Answers

While reading Wikipedia’s Vim vs. EMACS flamewar page, I came across a link to a questionnaire for great programmers. I shot the link over to my buddy Doug. He told me that he’s interested in my answers, and I’m interested in his. Here you go, Doug. :-)

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How did you learn programming? Were any schools of any use? Or maybe you didn’t even bother with ending any schools :) ?

“I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.” — Mark Twain

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What do you think is the most important skill every programmer should posses?

A good sense of humor. Because if you can’t laugh at yourself, programming will make you cry.

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Do you think mathematics and/or physics are an important skill for a programmer? Why?

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What do you think will be the next big thing in computer programming? X-oriented programming, y language, quantum computers, what?

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If you had three months to learn one relativly new technology, which one would You choose?

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What do you think makes some programmers 10 or 100 times more productive than others?

I don’t know, and maybe that’s why some programmers are 10 or 100 times more productive than me. But I hope it has something to do with Red Bull energy drink. *taking another swig*

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What are your favourite tools (operating system, programming/scripting language, text editor, version control system, shell, database engine, other tools you can’t live without) and why do you like them more than others?

Operating System	OS X because it’s pretty.
Programming Language	C/C++ (GCC) because I know it. Oh, and interpreted and scripting languages are for weenies.
Text Editor	Vim because it saves me from RSI.
Revision Control System	Subversion.
Shell	BASH.
Database	I hate all databases equally.
Laptop	Apple MacBook because it’s pretty.
Guitar	Gibson SG because it rocks my face off.
Piano	Kawai baby grand because it’s beautiful.
Writing Implement	Leadholder.

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What is your favourite book related to computer programming?

“The best book on programming for the layman is Alice in Wonderland; but that’s because it’s the best book on anything for the layman.” — Alan Jay Perlis

My current library of programming books consists only of The C Programming Language and Operating Systems: Design and Implementation. I’d like a copy of Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach and The Art of Computer Programming, but these days, just about everything that I need to know is available online.

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What is Your favourite book NOT related to computer programming?

The Bhagavad Gita. This book calms me when I’m too angry and rouses me when I’m too apathetic. I also love The Cartoon History of the Universe and The Complete Calvin and Hobbes.

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What are your favourite music bands/performers/compositors?

Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Radiohead, John Williams (the classical guitarist, not the composer), Asian Dub Foundation, Blur, The Clash, Dr. Dre, Fountains of Wayne, The F***ing Champs, Judy and Mary, Led Zeppelin, Neutral Milk Hotel, The Slackers, Stereolab, Weird Al, and too many others to name.

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And here are Doug’s, Alex’s, and Sam’s answers.