I'm not sure what his point was, because he kept sticking to the provocative "programmers don't like to code" line.
If he said "programmers don't like to write code that's not directly related to the problem they're solving," I'd agree. But if that's what he meant, then he should have said it.
I find the practice of starting out with a provocative statement, then redefining the semantics of the discussion until the unqualified thesis statement is true both annoying and disingenuous.
I'm always on the lookout for that sort of thing too, but I don't think you're right here. I get annoyed when people say "ellyagg likes to program" because it's dismissive, like I'm some strange creature who finds the task of putting various glyphs in parallel lines soothing. I don't enjoy programming for programming's sake. I enjoy creating and I enjoy my creations bringing value to other people's lives.
I guess I don't interpret "like to program" that literally.
I think it's accurate to say "I like to program" because it goes beyond problem solving for me. I enjoy solving the problem, yes, but I also enjoy expressing the solution. I enjoy the process of figuring out what is the most concise, elegant and natural expression of the solution, and I find the result pleasing.
If he said "programmers don't like to write code that's not directly related to the problem they're solving," I'd agree. But if that's what he meant, then he should have said it.
I find the practice of starting out with a provocative statement, then redefining the semantics of the discussion until the unqualified thesis statement is true both annoying and disingenuous.