Quote:
Originally Posted by davidthefat
Now, I am a very "low level" person and my mentor finds me too valuable of a programmer to be doing electronics or any hardware. I try to use the lowest to the hardware the software allows. I have just glanced over the pre-written codes, I was "appalled" by the thought of even copying the method of doing things they use. Plus, I don't like the way they do things anyway. May be that is my personality flaw, but I see it as a good thing. Might hint on the fact that I am arrogant, but shows I am independent. I have been criticized by other programmers because they think I am just making it harder on myself. I like the challenge actually and I feel guilty if I use prewritten code, feels like cheating to me. (Now it really is not cheating per se, but feels very much like it)
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I understand exactly where you're coming from. I hated using the code FIRST gave us, actually I still do, but I've been better about it. For me it's more of a matter of understanding, fixing code you've never really seen before and don't know the details of is extraordinarily difficult. (Ironically, I do this professionally now). I can definitely also understand wanting a challenge. Part of being a good programmer is learning the balance between working with what you have, and writing what you don't have, or don't think is worth using. For example, 263 has their own custom PID system, but we still make a good deal of use of WPILib. This balance can only be struck with some experience, and a little luck, it'll come in time.
To that end, working on the electronics and mechanical team is very very good for programmers, and even if your case I think you'd find it a lot easier to work at a higher level when you're solving more interesting problems. Instead of "they finally mounted the pot, now let me make it work" you can approach the problem as "I need to control the arm, here's what I have to work with". Plus, I'm getting really sick of the stereotype that programmers with power tools are dangerous!

Help me change it.
Matt