What makes someone a great programmer?

[zgardner]

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.

[zgardner]

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.

[thekevan]

What makes a piece of string long enough?

[zgardner]

When it comes to programming, I think the best programmers are never satisfied with where they're at.

[augbot]

I would say one that can set and maintain expectations.