For the majority of people, programming remains a mix of magic and ultra-complex set of technologies, combined together to deliver us happiness in form of YouTube cat videos and funny games on our phones. But even though programming has become an integral part of our lives, how many people actually know what it’s all about?

We present you some basic facts about programming to keep you in even more awe of technological progress and spill some beans.

Fact #1: Programming knows no age

When you hear “developer”, you immediately think of a bit basic, bearded and glasses-equipped 20-year old, don’t you? Wrong!

With the boom on programming, many different people suddenly decided to change occupation and learn some coding. And here is an interesting thing - there are engineers, who learned to a programme and have actually been doing it since the late 80s. As well, there is a strong flow of “young blood”: talented nuggets that, in their 18 and without completed high education, can program as good as the above-mentioned programming veterans.

Programming indeed knows no age – however, a person should be good at Math and have at least a bit of engineering mentality. Otherwise, there will be struggles ahead – but maybe they will pay off!

Fact #2: Strict estimates do not exist

It is impossible to 100% set strict estimates in programming. Yes, you can outline project phases and set deadlines – but something may go wrong and you can’t do anything with it. There is always a chance of human error, for example, and it does not relate to programming only. Such unpredictable issues are the major reason for the deadline shifts.

In addition, if you work by Time & Material pricing strategy, you will be constantly improving the project, adding some additional features or eliminating the ones you don’t need. And you can’t 100% be sure of the whole functional at the beginning of the project - you will only know it by testing and method of trial and error.

Fact #3: Programmers spend more time reading the code than writing it

Even though it sounds weird but still, it’s true: writing code takes less time than reading and double-checking it.

For a good programmer, writing high-quality code is a relatively easy process. However, if the developer wants to double-check the code or find the reason for a bug or issue, he will have to carefully go over the code and read it - and that takes some time!

Imagine you write something and it flows from you - wouldn’t take a lot of time. But then you will have to go through each sentence and word in order to ensure that spelling and grammar are error-free - now that would require much more time and concentration, wouldn’t it?

Fact #4: Code should not be over the top

Programmers and clients value short and clear code that anyone can understand. If the code is too complex or long, it would not be the definite sign of a developer’s expertise. It would rather be the opposite – an indicator that the developer is not able to streamline his work.

Code is not something scary – remember that next time you will be talking to your fellow developer about programming. A true master of his craft will be able to explain even the most complex things in a simple manner, understandable for mere people who have never dealt with coding.

Fact #5: Programming is fun!

Conversations with clients in the middle of the night due to different time zones, endless bugs, lines of code on the black screen and gallons of coffee – what could be better, right?

But really, programming is creative and is rather cool. One has to apply a certain level of creativity and flexibility to find the most suitable solution for the set task. Programming is not for weak – it is for those tough as nails who can just take a look at the monitor and tell what’s wrong.