Why Programming Feels So Complex: We Work with Abstract Layers

Let’s talk about something that’s obvious to us programmers, but not always so clear to everyone else: our job is complicated. And not just because we deal with weird syntax or cryptic error messages. The real kicker is that we work with layers upon layers of abstraction—each one demanding its own set of skills. In my experience, these layers generally fall into three big categories: foundational knowledge, tools/SDKs, and team-specific processes. Let’s break it down.