What makes a programmer a programmer?

Question

Programming

In one of the questions in the comments, Nazir Khusnutdinov and I raised the topic "What makes a programmer a programmer".
We came up with the following list:
1. Knowledge of the syntax of the language
2. Understanding of algorithms
3. Application of algorithms in the syntax
4. Not just knowing the syntax of the language (and sometimes several languages), but knowing which modules to connect and which functions to use to get the result. I want to remind you that different languages ​​are different.
5. Constantly monitor the updating of the "toolkit" (so that the written software works in the current versions of the OS (browsers, etc.) and, if possible, support for the old ones). Those. master (read relearn) a new (or updated) "toolkit". If you don't, you will end up out of a job. Therefore, in parallel, you have to constantly study something.
6. Study the areas of activity and business processes of the customer in order to understand what to "write" (TORs are usually rarely complete).
7. Continuous improvement of your skills (to be in the "trend"). I hope it doesn't need to be explained. Programming is not making felt boots.
UPD 2 8) Solving business problems.
UPDYes, the ability to write programs - and is meant by programming, and as it was in one of the answers, a software engineer
is meant We will be grateful if you supplement it.
P.S. language tags used to attract more attention, both professionals and beginners.

Answer 1

The most important thing is not on your list. You can know all of the above, but not be a programmer.
A programmer is made a programmer by the programs he writes!

Answer 2

A programmer is someone who can automate the solution of an applied problem (on IT topics) in any way possible

Answer 3

In such matters, it is worthwhile to start with the definition of terminology.
What kind of specialist do you mean by the tag "programmer"?
Is an ABAP developer a programmer for you? QA is a programmer for you (they often write scripts in various languages)?
I would use the term "software engineer" in your case.
And the word "engineer" here, in my opinion, is the most important thing. And I say "programmer" to my grandmother when she asks what I do.

Answer 4

1) it’s a coder
2) yes, but the ability to build them is also important
3) decoy code
4) decoy code
5) hipster
6) business analyst, which is basically the norm. A programmer must first of all solve business problems and not write code (this is a problem solving method), and for this you need some kind of immersion in the subject area
7) this is true for all specialties.
In general, the question of self-determination of a "programmer" is a very philosophical question. I for myself define it as "a useful dude who is able to solve problems from different subject areas." Life becomes a little easier when you stop dividing people into categories like "business analyst, tester, coder" ... it can all be one person. It's just that someone goes more in one direction, someone in another ...
In general ... read Eric Evans, Domain-Oriented Design - he pays a little attention to the task of the developer there.

Answer 5

Maybe a love of programming ?

Answer 6

I read the list, but did not find the main thing, IMHO.
What makes a programmer a programmer? Programming.

Answer 7

programmer makes the programmer the vector of his thinking and ability to think in the right direction!

Answer 8

I treat programmers as people who solve a specific problem in IT. Programmer == installer, just sitting at the computer. he must know how to call a trowel and what kind of putty to use.

Answer 9

A programmer is a lazy person who does not like to do routine work. Therefore, it always tries to automate any repetitive process.

Answer 10

sweater. a warm sweater.

Answer 11

A programmer is primarily an architect of software systems. Language, algorithms, syntax - this is a toolkit that can be mastered in a few months. But how to competently design a reliable, efficient and easily extensible and maintainable application using these same algorithms - this will take years.
And what you listed, yes, is the definition of a coder, but not a programmer.

Answer 12

In my opinion, a programmer is primarily an organizer of processes. Able to understand the essence of any process, not only computational. There are people who immediately rush to find out all the nuances of the future program and start programming. And there are others who will thoroughly analyze the situation and the process that should be optimized, perhaps through a program. They will understand that yes, it is necessary to write a program, and only then will they start writing. But not infrequently they will see a more profitable option for the customer. In my practice, it looked like this: "You know. Your operation takes place so many times. Now, if you break it down into daily operations for 5 minutes. Assign this operation to an existing specialist. Then a small increase in salary will be more profitable, faster for you." Practice has shown that, yes, there were few mistakes due to human inattention, were non-critical and yes, there was no need to write software! And if a person had not said such words, then the organization would have paid quite a lot of money for the development.
The programmer is first of all "Common sense" and "Analytical mindset".

Answer 13

in our world of a programmer, a programmer makes confident handling of a computer))))))))))))) like reinstalling a venda or setting up a printer)))))
but seriously, IMHO it’s like with artists and other things - when you what are you doing in this area? type wrote a macro under the Word - you are already a programmer, I think.
another thing is the level. just like the artists. children draw crooked cars, and cool programmers write the most complex systems for banks.

Answer 14

You have read 100 responses from the humanities, now you will receive an answer from a programmer, with recursion and built-in syntax checking:
What makes Nazira Khusnutdinov Nazir Khusnutdinov?
Explanation. A programmer is already a programmer and nothing will make him and does not make him a programmer. A programmer can only be made from a non-programmer.

Answer 15

Everything is done by the programmer
Self-learning is self-programming

Answer 16

programmer makes a computer

Answer 17

Entry in the work book

Answer 18

in connection with what is the question? why discuss it?

Answer 19

What makes a cyclist a cyclist?

Answer 20

That he is a programmer.

Answer 21

I think you need an analytical mindset. Ability and passion for the natural sciences. The so-called "physics and mathematics" mentality. Understanding processes. And not knowledge ... IMHO.

Answer 22

A programmer will not become a real programmer without mastering the culture of programming, despite all his knowledge and skills.