Writing software is like kicking a can

Writing software is a playful process of exploration and discovery. Like a game of kick the can on a Sunday walk.

It's a beautiful day out. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, the conversation with your friend fulfilling. You're on a walk through the park when you come upon a can on the road.

The child inside you says "Kick it!" and you do. The can flies forward a few feet bouncing off pebbles and cracks in directions you cannot predict.

What happens next is key: The can didn't go directly forward so you change direction towards the can. You want to kick again! You always do. If it bounced too far off your path, your friend gets the kick.

You continue for a few hundred yards passing the can between you and your friend, hearts leaping with joy at this childish pursuit. You weave around your perfect path at the whims of a metal can.

Every piece of code you write is like a kick of that can. Gets you a few steps closer, a little off path, and creates the basis for your next step.

Watch the talk – You do have time to build it twice