Originally Posted by quantum-x

Look, finding decent programmers is tough.

You've got two classic types of programmer:
#1: The genius. This guy can code anything imaginable. Except a girlfriend (but he's tried..)

Pros: Code is compact, efficient, complex...

Cons: ..and sparsely commented, except for when he's criticising someone else's library. Can't interact with humans. You will need to cradle him in your arms through his boughts of depression, paranoia, and eye-bleeder WoW sessions.

Summary: If you can get him to finish coding before he finishes himself, you'll have great code.

#2 - The talker. This guy's can-do attitude, friendly demeanour and deep understanding of your project and problems are only matched by his very-average coding ability.

Pros: Has the gift of the gab. He understands the real world. Dead lines exist. Personal hygiene exists. You'll be assured at every step of the way, everything is right on track...

Cons: ..until it falls apart, because his code has security flaws, doesn't scale, and is full of procedural spaghetti.

Summary: You'll probably find yourself making excuses for the guy, cos he's just so damn nice..

Am I right or what?

There is a third group, people who either can do both, or who work with partners who do what they can't. These guys are hard to come by, and are expensive. It's just the way it goes.

If there's one thing to take away from this thread though: The excuse of 'code is like art, I'll write it how and when I want it' - is nothing more than immaturity with a dash of arrogance.

Sure, some days the code flows better than others - but don't let yourself be convinced that this prima donna attitude is acceptable.