I have been quite closely associated with tech for a few years now. Having co-founded two web start-ups I have come to understand and even appreciate concepts like MVC, OOD and the like. Lately, I have been feeling a serious itch to pick up a programming book and learn to code (I did pick up enough Rails to be able to make tiny changes in the code) This is probably because of my close association with the programmers around me. They talk about their craft with such passion that it is getting difficult to not want to try my hand at it. The only dilemma is I already have a hectic schedule and I wonder if I even have the aptitude for it to justify an investment in time.
Also, my apprehension is because I am so glaringly different from my programmer friends. I have never played Super Mario or Quake. I have never really built anything or fixed things around the house during my growing up years. And yes, I haven't subscribed to xkcd. I wonder if all this is because I am a female or because I don't have the aptitude.
It would be nice to know what you think indicates an aptitude for programming. Also, I would like to know from the female programmers here what they did in their growing up years.
Thanks!
