I disagree here.  Maybe if someone has had very little exposure to programming.  I&#x27;ve found with an admittedly limited and completely anecdotal survey of developers around me that stress helps.  The deadlines and people actually depending on you is a crucible that helps you get better much faster.  You have to develop all the soft and hard skills that go with just pounding keys.  Like project management and time estimation.  Dealing with other people and evaluating problems.<p>You might get there with total freedom, but stress might get you there faster.