The computer scientist Peter Norvig argued in his essay [Teach Yourself To Program in 10 Years][1] that you need about 10,000 hours of practice.

But Jeff Atwood argued in his post [How To Become a Better Programmer by Not Programming][2] that he believes *the only way to become a better programmer is by not programming.* 

These articles are in opposition. Is there a scientific evidence to prove the Jeff Atwood approach?


  [1]: http://norvig.com/21-days.html
  [2]: http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/2007/01/how-to-become-a-better-programmer-by-not-programming.html