Passionate vs Pragmatic Programmer
I was browsing through some reddit threads when I came across a post that caught my eye. The post was titled "Does anyone else feel like they don't care about tech?" and this was what the user had to say:
Everywhere I see the tech industry is constantly changing and you need to be constantly learning to keep up. All of the developer roles I look at say "you must have a passion for technology" or something along those lines. But really, if I'm being honest, I'm not sure I have the interest in technology itself to learn about network security or the structure of my operating system for example. Or have a passionate opinion about what platform, language, hardware I use. I can't see myself reading over the latest technology news every morning before I go to work as a developer. I don't care what language I'm using. High level concepts like solving problems, writing algorithms, using maths, I love all these things, but it just doesn't feel like I'm meant to be in the IT industry when I see how passionate everyone else is about the technology itself.
This post perfectly encapsulates the difference between the "passionate programmer" and the "pragmatic programmer". There are people who love computers, technology and programming - also known as "nerds" or "geeks". They love exploring technology, learning new things, building fun projects, and discussing the latest tech news. They can't wait for the next big thing in tech. They don’t just use computers—they live them.
And then there are people who see technology as a tool to solve problems and make money. They are not particularly interested in the technology itself, but they are interested in what it can do for them. They code because it's job. They don’t care about JavaScript frameworks or Linux distros. They’re not writing code on weekends. If they never saw a line of Python again, they’d be fine—as long as the paycheck clears. They are more interested in the end result than the technology that gets them there. They are the "pragmatic programmers". This isn’t a criticism. It’s just a fact: not everyone in tech is a techie or a nerd (as strange as it sounds). But here’s the thing—if you’re getting into programming just for the money, you might be in for a rude awakening.
The Passionate Programmer
These are the people who grew up breaking their parents’ computers just to figure out how they worked. They stayed up all night teaching themselves to code because they wanted to, not because someone told them to. They installed Linux on an old laptop "just to see what happens," and now they swear by the terminal. These are the keyboard warriors who scoff at excessive mouse usage.
For them, programming isn’t just a job—it’s an obsession, they love doing it. They don't merely do programming — they are programmers. They don’t need to be told to "keep learning" because they’re already devouring tutorials, reading documentation, and tinkering with the latest tech trends.
Employers love these people. Why? Because passion breeds innovation. Passionate programmers don’t just meet requirements—they exceed them. They automate workflows, solve problems creatively, spot inefficiencies, and keep teams ahead of the curve.
The Pragmatic Programmer
On the flip side, we have the pragmatists—the paycheck programmers.
These folks see programming as a career, not a calling. Coding is one of the most lucrative and stable career paths out there. You don’t have to be in love with TCP/IP protocols to enjoy earning six figures.
They clock in, get the job done, and clock out. No side projects, no endless debates about TypeScript vs. JavaScript. They don’t care about the nuances of the latest framework—they just want the tools to do the job. They’re practical. For them, a computer is a tool, not a hobby. It’s a means to an end, and as long as it works, they don’t care about how or why. These are your typical Windows and Mac users afraid of the keyboard and terminal.
Why This Matters
If you’re thinking about becoming a programmer, ask yourself: Do I actually care about this stuff?
Because if you don’t, you’re going to have a bad time. Programming is hard. It’s frustrating. It’s a never-ending cycle of bugs, errors, and headaches. You will need to get your hands dirty at the terminal, read documentation, and learn new things constantly. If you’re not passionate about technology, you will have no interest in doing any of this and it will slow down your progress.
1. Employers actively seek out nerds
Companies get tons of applications for every job posting. Most of them are from people who just want a job in tech. Their resumes are AI generated and employers are trying to sift through them to find the people who actually care about technology.
2. Don't get left behind
If you're not passionate about technology, you won't keep up with the latest trends. Technology is constantly changing and evolving. If you're not constantly learning, you will be left behind. You will be the person who is still using jQuery in 2024.
3. Performance
People who are passionate about technology are the better programmers. They write better code, put in longer hours and are more productive. They geek out on the weekends trying to innovate and learn new things. They are more likely to be the ones who are promoted and given raises.
4. Job satisfaction
If you're not passionate about technology, you will not enjoy your job. You will be doing something you don't like and you will be miserable. This in turn will affect your performance and you will be stuck in a job you hate.
Conclusion
Not all programmers are techies, for some it is only an acquired skill. At the end of the day, it is the "passionate programmers" who will be the experts in their field. They will be the ones who are constantly learning, innovating and pushing the boundaries of technology. They will be the ones who are sought after by employers and who will have the most job satisfaction. If you're not passionate about technology, you will be left behind. You will be the one who is stuck in a job they hate, doing something they don't enjoy. So if you're thinking about getting into programming, ask yourself: are you a passionate programmer or a pragmatic programmer? And if you're not passionate about technology, maybe you should consider a different career.