programmer — English Dictionary

Noun

1. One who writes computer programs.

   Synonyms

   codercomputer programmercode monkeysoftware programmer

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   More important, when we looked at who worked in that industry, we noticed that programmers were in the minority. They’re dwarfed by, among other occupations, the software developers. The two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but the jobs follow very different trajectories. Nationwide, software developers haven’t struggled nearly as much as their programming brethren — few other computer-related occupations have. So what makes programmers different? To answer that, we need to dive forehead first into everybody’s favorite part of any analysis: arcane occupation definitions! Upon perusing the fine print, we saw that while programmers do in fact program, they “work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals.” That seems like a clue. In the real world, “developer” and “programmer” can seem almost interchangeable. But in the world of government statistics, where we have legal permanent residency, there’s a clear distinction. In the [US] government’s schema, programmers do the grunt work while the much more numerous — and much faster-growing — software developers enjoy a broader remit. They figure out what clients need, design solutions and work with folks such as programmers and hardware engineers to implement them. Their pay reflects this gap in responsibilities. The median programmer earned $99,700 in 2023, compared with $132,270 for the median developer. And while 27.5 percent of programming jobs vanished, jobs for developers have only fallen 0.3 percent, similar to the broader industry.

2. One who decides which programs will be shown on a television station, or which songs will be played on a radio station.

   Examples

   The handful of never-ending summer classics annually activated by rock-radio programmers.

   So if there is a real shortage of training material and opportunities for radio programmers, then let's write some.

3. A device that installs or controls a software program in some other machine.

   Examples

   The EPROM programmer burns the data into the EPROM chip. When programming is completed, remove the EPROM chip and plug it into the circuit […]

   More examples (1)

   This system comprises a boiler with its own thermostat to regulate the water temperature, a pump, a hot-water storage tank, a room thermostat and some form of timed programmer.

4. A short film feature as part of a longer film program.

   Usage

   • Archaic

   Examples

   As a programmer, the Chan series is linked to the B picture, known for its low production value and overt, disruptive, unpolished, even lurid narratives.

Noun

1. a person who designs and writes and tests computer programs

   Synonyms

   computer programmercodersoftware engineer

   Broader terms

   engineerapplied scientisttechnologistcomputer user