This line appears in Tony Hoare’s lecture “Computer Science”, where he argues that a computer scientist should take pleasure in the practice of the craft. Hoare does not claim the remark as his own; he attributes it to a friend and colleague, Cedric Dennis.

The comparison likens programming to solving crossword puzzles. Both involve working within fixed rules towards a definite solution, and both offer the satisfaction of fitting the pieces together. The added twist—being paid for it—presents programming as a rare case of a pastime that is also a livelihood.

The observation captures a light-hearted but sincere point about the appeal of the work. For Hoare, enjoyment was not incidental but part of what draws people to programming and sustains them in it, alongside the more formal qualities of rigour and elegance he prized.

Full quotation

“The final requirement is of course that the computer scientist should enjoy the practice of his art. This attitude was well expressed by an old friend and colleague, Mr Cedric Dennis, who declared: computer programming is like doing crossword puzzles, and being paid for it.”