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This is an entirely pointless false dichotomy. "Coding" and "Programming" are just synonyms of the same damn thing: make a turing machine do stuff. I have no idea why people are suddenly trying to make a false distinction when there was none for decades and decades, but frankly it's stupid. My only thought is there's a bunch of butt sore guys who are upset that learning to make a computer do stuff is nothing special and are now trying to find a new way to differentiate themselves with the moniker "Programmer" and looking to shit on anyone who's "Just A Coder".

So I propose a new term. Turingulate: verb. Making a turing machine do stuff. Typing Python into a file and running it with python? Turingulated! Running a PD graph to create a fuzz pedal? Turingulating! Using Max/SP? Turingulating! Programming because you're so special? Turingulate. Coding to .. uh code some ... uh code... which isn't programming? Turingulator!

So stupid.



Colloquially they are synonyms. Especially amongst people who don't make software. It's not derogatory and not worth getting bent out of shape about.

BUT ... (Bet you saw this coming)

Coders turn detailed specs into code. No real thought required.

Programmers, or software developers, design systems and code them themselves.

That's the distinction I make anyway. I've seen coders at some workplaces. It's a dreary job and I would never do it.


I have seen similar articles with the word "programmer" used in place of "coder" and "developer" used in place of "programmer". I don't think there is any hard and fast rules as to what makes a coder / programer / developer / software engineer.

I think that is part of the problem. The outside world sees these as equal. While after 10 years in the industry I can see the difference between someone who can write a script that will get the job done (for the time being), and someone who can design / write decent code that you expect to be working a year or two later.


I cannot agree more. bored of those nonsense terms distinction if you see on linkedin or the likes everyone has his own software architect, wargods of the mighty developing...

Turingulators!

A Programming Motherfucker


I wish I had the nerve to put A Programming Motherfucker on my résumé...


I notice this kind of article a lot these days. I feel like it's trying to come up with something to write out of nothing.


Programmers write code.




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