[mamaniscalco]

The answer to this question will fall sharply upon two lines depending on how you interpret the definition of "better" developer.

I see one interpretation of better as "can copy, repeat, fix, comprehend, maintain." And the other as "comprehends and exceeds - often without explicitly 'reading' that which is comprehended in the first place"

The first group will argue that you have to read. The second will argue that it's optional.

I am in the second group but would argue in favor of the first. It never hurts to stand upon the shoulders of the giants who came before you.

That being said, I never read other's code unless its to fix it.