When I first started as a software programmer, back in the mid 1970s, I used to see software programming as a creative pursuit, like writing. I’d see each program as a short story with the traditional structure a beginning, a middle and an end. The logic of storytelling fit with the logic of good software development, no matter how many if-then-else diversions, goto statements or do loops, good software took the data on a journey to an outcome.

Even though I have not programmed for many years, I still see software development through the same creative / artistic prism of the 1970s. There is an art to good business software - in the outcome it provides those who use it and in how that outcome is achieved.

By viewing software as a form of art, one is more inclined to take more care in its creation. Something as precious as art is given more attention and passion than creating a product. Yes, passion, that is the word I was looking fo, the secret ingredient in good software. Passion in the minds and hearts of designers, developers and testers to date the data and the business user of a valuable and trusted journey.

No, I have not taken something or slipped off the perch. Rather, I was reminded of these thoughts when going through a storage box last night looking for some old papers.

Passion is evidence in many business situations. It is the difference between a job and a career, the difference between something which does the job and something which genuinely adds value to the business.