[clarry]

Indeed. Thinking back what once got me into programming as a kid (and what still keeps me interested) was the idea that with a reasonably powerful computer and some skill & time, I could create any software imaginable. It wasn't a special affection to software in particular, but to making things -- and computers made making things very accessible because once you had a computer, you had all the tools you needed.

Now the maker inside me must've realized that making physical objects we use and rely on all the time isn't impossible, and can indeed be quite accessible once you learn a few things and make some investments (or find a good hackerspace?).

I would recommend any coders out there who code out of the love of creation and the freedom that comes with it, to at least consider expanding their horizon and learning to manipulate more than just bits. It doesn't have to be metal, in fact with 3D printing and diy electronics you could end up with something really awesome. (But don't forget 3d-fad isn't the only way to deal with plastics; it can be machined too, for instance). Combined with your software knowledge, who knows what great new ideas a new skill might bring with it? It'll deepen the experience of making for sure.

[ciclista]

I started as a kid as well. One of the wonderful things about computers being self-contained learning environments is that there's such a wide range of possibilities for expressing your intellectual curiosities and ideas.

Now that I'm a bit older though, I am enjoying the physicality of working with my hands, producing something tangible and having something that can outlast me, instead of code that most likely will just last some years.

After I'm done with my welding training, I'd like to do at least some introductory machining classes. Perhaps even a furniture making course. I have to good fortune of living very close my community college, and as long as I can work part time as a developer (albeit at odd hours) I want to keep learning how to build things with my hands.