Writing toy programs is an effective way to deepen understanding of software development and rekindle joy in the craft, especially in an era where AI and commodification threaten its artistry. By keeping projects simple and avoiding over-engineering, developers can explore complex concepts while benefiting from practical experience. The author shares a list of toy projects along with their difficulty ratings and time estimates to inspire others to engage in this practice.
toy-programming ✓
software-development ✓
+ creativity
learning ✓
coding ✓