A discussion opened up in the Flash Game Developers group on LinkedIn where the original poster was frustrated on how many people give up trying to learn Flash Game Programming no matter who he teaches.

Here was my response:

I hope that I don’t come across as elitist, but I’ve come to understand that there are “those who program” and then there are “programmers.” You can teach someone how to program, but you can’t make them into a programmer.

A programmer is someone who doesn’t just code 9-5. They are thinking about how to solve problems, learning new technologies and scoping out the latest design techniques and coding samples in their spare time. Sometimes they are even writing tutorials and sometimes engaging in technology flame wars. People who just happen to program, are just in it for the day job and the pay – but not for the sake of the art and craft. Working as a consultant in both public and private industries, you meet both sorts all the time.

Programming is an art – like painting. And it takes a certain interest, passion and discipline to really learn the craft. Computer Game Programming is an even smaller niche because it aims not to solve day-to-day problems, but to amuse, entertain and perhaps even educate.

Everyone says they want to make a computer game. And then once they start getting knee deep into the code, mucking with design decisions, creating level designs, spitting out art assets, finding appropriate music and sounds… They give up. I almost did on my very first game.

I can’t tell you all the mental roadblocks I hit for putting out my very first Flash Game for a MochiAds contest and put something together in my spare time at night:

http://www.mochiads.com/games/strike-eagle_v1/

I almost gave up so many times and I don’t think I would have made it if I didn’t start with small bites and worked my way slowly to finishing it. I logged my progress on my blog with iterative builds, but there were so many times I would have just given up:

http://www.gamedevigner.com/tag/strike-eagle/

Programming, moreso Game Programming, and even moreso *Flash* Game Programming is really only meant for the brave and the bold. It really is a test of passion and mettle and if you come through it is something to be proud of. Not everyone is cut out for it. And I wouldn’t want it any other way.