Why do you do what you do? What drives you?

Since you are reading this article, you probably have an interest in developing an app of some kind. My question is, why? I've listed as many reasons as I can think of below, do you see yourself in one of these categories? Or have I missed something? (I'm sure I have! Go ahead, tell me). Out of curiosity (this is definitely in no way a scientific survey), I'm conducting a straw poll on these categories, so I've added a link to each one, you just have to click it to send me an email saying Yes, this one is me! I'll tell you the results in the next newsletter.

The Bootstrap Developer

Maybe you see writing your own app as a way out of poverty, something you can do without expensive premises, overheads and huge amounts of equipment (you will of course need some kind of computer and probably at least one mobile device, but these needn't cost the earth). You're a startup developer, probably working alone, and most likely without a formal programming education. Perhaps you are a single mother or have health issues that make it difficult to get a "traditional" job. Coding could be a godsend for you. You're determined to knuckle down, learn it, and make it work for you.

This is me.

The Hobbyist

You do it for fun. You like a challenge, to keep your brain ticking over, and you enjoy making your computer do what you want it to do. You like to share apps you make with friends, and maybe upload the occasional free app to an app store. Maybe someday something you make will take off in a big way, but you're not too fussed. Coding is a great way to spend your spare time and it makes you smarter!

This is me.

The One App Pony

You need a specific app and its not out there. You could commission someone else to do it but after your experience with outsourcing app development you're not keen. Why not just do it yourself... How hard can it be? You've dabbled a bit with html and websites, writing an app is just another step on the ladder. LiveCode looks promising...

This is me.

The Visionary Coder

You just love to code! You have a dream. You know you can do it. Most likely you started coding at kindergarden, you discovered (insert programming language here) at school and were hooked. You went on to study coding at university and now you work for (insert company name here) but one day you're going to write the next Angry Birds for yourself.

This is me.

The Consultant

You've been coding for a while now, and built yourself a nice little business. Probably mostly doing consulting work for others, writing business apps and services. Maybe you write the odd app for yourself, to publish in the app store and see if it takes off. Your biggest problem is finding enough time to do all the work, and/or hiring programmers to help.

This is me.

The Educator

You want to teach the world to code. You believe that coding is a vital skill for the future. You spend your time teaching it, either in schools or colleges, or to anyone with an interest in learning to program.

This is me.

The Entrepreneur

You probably started from one of the other groups on this page. Now you have your own business based around your highly successful app. You've cornered the market in (insert business area here). It was hard work, but you knew where you were going and you got there. Congratulations! Most likely these days you don't do so much coding yourself. You have a stable of developers working on the app for you. Possibly you miss it...

This is me.