Important note: If you haven’t read the previous post, please do so now—and don’t come back to this one until you’ve given the brain teaser at least an hour to rewire your brain! RECAP: In that post, I asked you to count the pairs of different fingers on one hand. Hopefully, you arrived at 10 pairs. Then, I challenged you to determine the number of triples of different fingers, without counting. HERE'S THE SOLUTION: Imagine counting pairs of fingers by folding two fingers at a time. Each time we fold two fingers, three fingers remain unfolded. This means that counting a pair of fingers by folding them is equivalent to counting a triple of fingers by folding the remaining two! So, WITHOUT COUNTING, we immediately know that the number of triples is the same as the number of pairs—10. WHY DOES THIS MATTER FOR PROGRAMMING? What we just did is an example of reducing one problem to another — and that's how programmers think! This is exactly the DRY (Don't Repeat Yourself) mindset. Instead of reinventing the wheel, programmers define a minimal set of functions and then express every needed computation in terms of those functions. And if you want to take it a level higher, great programmers design functions that create an application-specific language, allowing them to think and code within it. ENJOYED THIS? 🚀 Give this post a like so more people can discover it, follow, and stay tuned for more!

Hi all! Recently I just joined a tech startup along with 4-5 other members of the PAPAFAM community! Thus far, we have worked really well together and are making a ton of progress. I am looking to get my hands VERY dirty (for better or worse) and I am looking to build and launch a larger scale SaaS or a tech startup, which may be bootstrapped or look for some outside investment (VCs). I have a few ideas in mind, however I would LOVE to hear from the community to get some validation! I find that often it is very helpful to have a Co-founder along the way in the journey with you, which is why I even including an optional response saying why you would be a good Co-founder. I am aiming for 50 total responses, so lets MAKE THINGS HAPPEN PAPAFAM 👊 https://fx7dxg6q2am.typeform.com/to/UJZlOf7n

In today’s world, the ability to think critically and solve problems is more valuable than ever. While knowledge has always been prized, the landscape has shifted dramatically. In the 80s, access to information was a privilege reserved for the well-educated—those who had access to good books and teachers. Today, with the internet at our fingertips, information is abundant. A single click can bring you answers, tutorials, and even AI-generated solutions. But here's the catch: information alone isn't enough. In this era of artificial intelligence and automation, where tools like AI-powered code editors and chatbots are becoming commonplace, it’s easy to wonder if programmers will become obsolete. Many influential figures in tech, including Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, have speculated about how AI might replace certain aspects of programming. Yet, despite these predictions, the reality is that programming remains as relevant—and challenging—as ever. Why? Because programming isn’t just about writing code; it’s about solving problems, designing systems, and creating meaningful solutions. WHY AI Won’t Replace Programmers While AI can assist with generating code, automating repetitive tasks, and providing instant answers, it lacks something inherently human: creativity, intuition, and emotional intelligence. These qualities enable us to create software that not only works but also resonates with users, solves real-world problems, and drives innovation. Even Jensen Huang, despite his forward-thinking vision for AI, acknowledges its limitations when it comes to replacing the human element in complex problem-solving. AI tools and integrated assistants can generate snippets, optimize algorithms, or debug simple issues, but they can’t replace your understanding of system architecture, design patterns, and abstraction levels. They can’t replicate the creative spark that leads to breakthrough solutions or the empathy needed to build user-centric products. That’s why, no matter how advanced AI becomes, there will always be a need for skilled developers who can think critically, adapt, and innovate.

If you're a beginner, grappling with this teaser will start rewiring your brain. That’s how it works—if you don’t wrestle with a problem, you don’t get the benefit. So, take this one for a walk in your mind and hopefully experience that satisfying “aha!” moment. Let’s begin. 👉 How many fingers do you have on one hand? Easy, right? 👉 Now, count the pairs of different fingers. Take your time. And now, the real challenge: 💡 How many triples of different fingers are there on your hand? But wait! This time, you must answer WITHOUT COUNTING. Once you have your “aha!” moment, drop a comment explaining how you think this relates to programming—but do your best not to spoil the answer for others!