[bikamonki]

Right on point. The same principle applies when deciding whether to use a framework or not. Coders often marvel at the speed with which they can build something using a framework they don’t fully understand. However, a true programmer seeks to know and comprehend what’s happening under the hood.

[InvertedRhodium]

I'll preface this with the fact I agree that there is a difference between using a framework and being curious enough to dig into the details I think you're veering into No True Scotsman territory here.

IMO, the vast majority of programmers wouldn't meet the definition you've put forward here. I don't know many that dig into the operating system, platform, or hardware all that much, though I work in streaming media so that might just be an industry bias.

[vbezhenar]

I'm the one who feels uncomfortable when something is magical. I'm trying to dig whenever possible. I don't always have success. I know very little about Linux kernel internals, for example.

That said, it's rarely pays out. Quite the opposite: I often spending lots of time digging unnecessarily. I'm not complaining, I am who I am and I don't want to change. Digging into internals makes me happier and satisfied. And sometimes it is useful. So Linux kernel internals are on the roadmap and hopefully I'll dig into it some day.

I agree that absolute majority of people I met are not of that kind. And probably they should not. Learning business side of the software is what makes someone really useful. I hate business side, I only love computer side.

[baruch]

I find that my understanding of different layers is usually not needed but is rarely important toy ability to solve thorny issues or figure out ways to do things or debug issues that others are not even trying.

I'm working in areas of systems programming where such knowledge and willingness to go deeper into the stack is helpful, even if rarely so.

I can't say I understand the kernel, I only scratch the surface of most of it and only dug deeper where I really needed to and only as deep as time allowed me and the need required though.

[jimbokun]

That just means they are not programmers, but coders as defined here.