Does being single make you a better programmer

[Andrew Monkhouse]

I think that with all this discussion on whether religion makes you a better programmer, we should also consider the role of marriage.
From this Sydney Morning Herald article:

"Scientific productivity indeed fades with age," Dr Kanazawa said. "Two-thirds [of all scientists] will have made their most significant contributions before their mid-30s."
But, regardless of age, the great minds who married virtually kissed goodbye to any further glorious additions to their CV. Within five years of the wedding, nearly a quarter of married scientists had made their last significant contribution.

Does the same hold true for programmers?
Regards, Andrew

[Damien Howard]

Programmers - no
Software Developers - maybe
Computer scientists - definitely

[Michael Morris]

Does the same hold true for programmers?
I've been programming for almost thirty years and I would say that I am better now than I have ever been. There are some things that do change that at first thought seem detrimental. The main thing is memory, it definitely declines after 40. When I was younger I could track down a single line of code from a huge source at will. The problem was that I depended on that greatly and was very sloppy on documenting. I can't do that anymore. The languages have so evolved now and thru experience most of us have learned to use good coding habits. But I would venture to say that someone from mid 30s to early 40s with at least 10 years of experience would make the best programmer.
On the marriage thing, I don't really see how that would matter one way or the other to a programmer. If you're happy and you enjoy what you do that's what usually makes you productive.
[ July 10, 2003: Message edited by: Michael Morris ]

[Rufus BugleWeed]

I think as a general rule a musical artist's first record/CD is the best. But some keep cranking out good stuff for many years. Many more continue to be quality entertainment just playing their greatest hits.
I'd rather drive a truck.

[Michael Morris]

Originally posted by Rufus BugleWeed:
I think as a general rule a musical artist's first record/CD is the best. But some keep cranking out good stuff for many years. Many more continue to be quality entertainment just playing their greatest hits.
I'd rather drive a truck.

I went to a garden party
To reminisce with my old friends
A chance to share old memories
And play a song again
When I got to the garden party
They all knew my name
No one recognized me
I didn't look the same
...
If you gotta play a garden party
I wish you a lot of luck
But if memories were all I sang
I'd rather drive a truck
Yea Rick, but don't freebase coke in airplanes while flying over East Texas.

[John Dunn]

"can't please everyone, so ya gotta please yaSelf..."

[vi kam]

I've been programming for almost thirty years and I would say that I am better now than I have ever been

I have, here at work some one like you. He is 50. (I dont know if you are older than that )
And he is the best programmer that i have ever known, and i have come across many in the last 10 years.
Yes the bottom line is if you are good at programming and are happy doing what you are doing then i dont think age or marriage will have any effect on your capability as a good programmer

[Michael Morris]

Originally posted by vi kam:


I have, here at work some one like you. He is 50. (I dont know if you are older than that )
And he is the best programmer that i have ever known, and i have come across many in the last 10 years.
Yes the bottom line is if you are good at programming and are happy doing what you are doing then i dont think age or marriage will have any effect on your capability as a good programmer

My 50th BDay is next Tuesday.

[Anonymous]

Originally posted by Michael Morris:


My 50th BDay is next Tuesday.

Happy Half Century in Advance

[Jason Menard]

Originally posted by John Dunn:
"can't please everyone, so ya gotta please yaSelf..."

The universal mantra of the single programmer.

[Michael Morris]

Originally posted by <Sameer Jamal>:

Happy Half Century in Advance

Thank you Sameer. I hope the second half will be as fun as the first.