How smart does a computer programmer half to be?

Answer 1

Not that much. I've known people with IQ scores of borderline retarded become game developers in C++. What they don't have in IQ can be made up in determination, which is why a lot of computer programmers are rumoured to have asperger's syndrome because their fixed pattern of interests and social inabilities makes them possess a determination to master coding in a way that a sociable person simply would not want to.

Programming for people with lower IQs means a lot of time in front of the computer alone, the same person with social skills would be too occupied with interaction and partying, etc.

Therefore, I would say determination (a reflection of character, rather than brainpower) would be a much more valued prequesite of programming.

Of course if this unnatural determination would be coupled with high intelligence as well then it would render the person extremely talented coder who could rise through the ranks quickly, but these cases are rare and most programmers have average IQs, but are very typically aspergers.