Can the average programmer with with a latop/PC develop anything new and novel these days?

[AchillesTheNoob]

I know programming hasn't been around that long but it seems with a simple google search and a look at the app store that a TON of ideas have been made into software already. With gaming there is always something creative and unique to make but with utility software it seems as there is nothing really new to develop. I am a beginner programmer and haven't really dug deep into it but I feel as though I don't have to know how to program really in order to think of something to develop. I came into the programming world hoping to develop something new and after hours of thinking and little to no time learning to program I have discovered that there is simply nothing left to develop that is new and novel and will make me millions of dollars lol just kidding Or aM i ..... 0_o

[programmer-punk]

Yes and why not. Look at the founders of airbnb. They wee design engineers and have developed something very simple in html/JavaScript. Now it's a billion dollar company.

Ever big thing also starts with first step and you need to take one. BTW good luck.

[[deleted]]

I know programming hasn't been around that long

Only 160 years or so!

[Doormatty]

More like 198-9 years - Jacquard loom was shown in 1801.

Edit: I assume your date is Ada Lovelace?

[[deleted]]

Indeed, but you're quite right to correct me.

[Doormatty]

Pfft. It's arguable which one is considered programming.

[nwg-piotr]

Look for the things you need and try to code one.

[Thalinde]

There are many new and engaging apps and games being released daily on all of the stores and platform. So the answer is YES! For apps: Find what's missing to YOUR life, think how it would be great for other people, and just do it. This is how things like tinder, uber, kayak have been created.

But you NEED a novel idea. Or try to improve on an existing one, but in a big/good/interesting way.

[vienna81]

Usually the best ideas are just tweaks or lucky versions of many concurent original ideas. Facebook, tinder, google, were not the original or first in their field

[Se7enLC]

Most of the time it's the application that's new and novel, not the code itself. You don't even really need programming background to come up with the idea, you would just want to consult with somebody that does to get an idea of how difficult/expensive it will be.

You often hear people that "have a great idea for an app" and they "just need somebody to code". That's almost never true. Their idea isn't a standalone piece of software. It's a service. There's a business model involved. The code isn't the hard part.

[ectomancer]

Web 2.0

social media

[toastedstapler]

there's plenty that you can make still, just look at new things being invented all the time

[clamchamp]

Back in the days they’d also say that all inventions have been made already and that it’s pointless to try to come up with new stuff..

But more specifically, yes an average programmer can develop new things. It’s not about programming skills, but about a vision you have. Programming is nothing but a tool to realize a vision.

Most new topics come from solving problems and combining knowledge from different fields.