What makes someone a great programmer?

2 points by zgardner ↗ HN
I've read a lot of article on the qualities of bad programmers, but never anything on the opposite. I've talked to a few people, but no one can give definitive, objective qualities or attributes that makes someone a 10x programmer.

The only thing I've come up with is a desire to constantly improve. It may manifest itself in different ways (e.g. side projects at home, reading), but always has the same goal.

4 comments

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What makes a piece of string long enough?
When it comes to programming, I think the best programmers are never satisfied with where they're at.
I would say one that can set and maintain expectations.
Everyone knows there's a programmer better than they are. They're easy to spot, and everyone knows they're out there.

I'm curious what qualities make them better.