Coding, it's an endless process of trial and error, of trying to get the right command in the right place, with sometimes just a semicolon making the difference between success and failure. Code breaks and then it falls apart, and it often takes many, many tries until that magical moment when what you're trying to build comes to life.

In this quote, Reshma Saujani captures the essence of the process of coding, describing it as an endless cycle of trial and error. She explains that writing code is a delicate balance of placing the right command in the right place, with even small mistakes, like a missing semicolon, being the difference between success and failure. This emphasizes how meticulous and detail-oriented coding can be, and how small errors can have significant impacts on the outcome of a project.

Saujani further describes how code can "break" and cause the entire system to fall apart, illustrating the frustrating and sometimes unpredictable nature of programming. Despite these challenges, she highlights the perseverance required in the field, as it often takes numerous attempts before the final product comes to life. This emphasizes the importance of resilience and patience in the face of setbacks, as coding involves continuous learning and adjusting until everything works perfectly.

The origin of this quote comes from Saujani’s experiences in technology and her advocacy for getting more women into coding and STEM fields. As the founder of Girls Who Code, Saujani has worked to empower young women to pursue careers in technology, where she’s seen firsthand the challenges and rewards of coding. Her description serves to both demystify the process of coding and make it more accessible, showing that failure is a natural part of the learning process.

Through this quote, Saujani encourages an attitude of perseverance and problem-solving, teaching that success in coding, and in life, often comes after many failures. She reminds us that the process of creation—whether in technology or any other field—is a journey that requires determination, and the satisfaction of success often comes after many attempts.