Programmer vs. Coder - Will the Problem Solvers Please Stand Up
After my long trip to New Delhi, I've been many things. Changed would certainly summarize how I feel. Having never really gone to India, it was an eye-opening experience. One reason, of course, is the striking difference between our lives here and the lives of people there. I won't begin to describe that.
On the other hand, there's also the awakening of development in India. I've worked with a variety of teams over the last 10 years - everywhere in the world, from India to Brazil. Managing a team of developers thousands of miles away is always a challenge. It wasn't until stepping into the shoes of my team did I realize the difference in perception. Ironically enough, one of our team members sent a link today to a site that I've frequented many times in years past:
Of late, there are uprisings everywhere, emotionally among Programmers in many software companies. They are yearning to do something on their own, something out of the ordinary due to the increasing feeling of dejection. Many programmers want to get out of their routine monotonous coding which no longer excite them. Programmers are toying with ideas of moving out of some of th reputed companies, where they are like caterpillars climbing a wall without knowing how high the wall is.
Looking back, and forward, this is definitely a distinction worth remembering - and understanding. As I consider the difference between the proverbial "programmer" and "coder", I'm reminded that the difference, in my mind, resolves around one's willingness to see and address problems. True problem solvers are not saatisfied solely with the answer but with the process of uncovering it. This quote seems quite apt:
Do you solve problems or wait for the answer. If you do, we just might have a job for you.Unrest of spirit is a mark of life; one problem after another presentsitself and in the solving of them we can find our greatest pleasure.
KARL MENNINGER, “Take Your Choice,†This Week Magazine, October 16, 1949, p. 2.
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