Some of my dev role models are not actually devs. I am always impressed when people make a tool they need without much programming experience. It highlights how the actual programming work doesn't have to be a hindrance, it's just a matter of sitting down and getting it done.

One if my favorite examples is Chris Huelsbeck who made his own sound engine and editor to emulate the extra virtual sound channels he needed on the Amiga. He actually emulated an emulator that someone had made OF the Amiga on the Atari ST.

http://eab.abime.net/showthread.php...