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"Computer programmer" jobs have declined largely because the new BLS categories of web developer and software developer have exploded. US Software Developer jo

"Computer programmer" jobs have declined largely because the new BLS categories of web developer and software developer have exploded. US Software Developer jobs are increasing at a rate much higher than average. Check out http://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm http://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/h... for the new breakdown of what used to be "programmer". But even if you step away from the numbers for a moment, do you seriously believe that "the computer industry has shrunk" since the 1970s? Seriously?

Uchikoma 14y ago
Astonishing, they make a difference between "computer programmer" and "software developer".
- jiggy2011 14y ago
  Software developers are the creative minds who design the software on laptops with external keyboards whilst wearing bluetooth headsets. Computer programmers work in offices and translate the creative vision of cool guys with sideswept hair into computer code. TIL
- zb 14y ago
  Historically speaking, this is completely correct: before there were compilers, a "programmer" was someone who did what is now done by compilers. The actual software was designed by engineers. (Earlier than that, even, a programmer was someone who physically toggled the switches to input programs written by engineers into a computer.) The only reason there are any jobs left in this category is that there are companies who still believe (incorrectly) that we should have "programmers" doing the mechanical task of translating UML diagrams drawn by "architects" into code. I am glad to see this category shrinking (in favour of the software development/engineering categories) - because everybody in this industry deserves to have the creative value of their work recognised - and I hope to see it approach zero in the near future. http://www.zerobanana.com/essays/reclaiming-software-engineering/ http://www.zerobanana.com/essays/reclaiming-software-enginee...
  - Uchikoma 14y ago
    Thanks.

Uchikoma 14y ago

Astonishing, they make a difference between "computer programmer" and "software developer".

jiggy2011 14y ago
Software developers are the creative minds who design the software on laptops with external keyboards whilst wearing bluetooth headsets. Computer programmers work in offices and translate the creative vision of cool guys with sideswept hair into computer code. TIL
zb 14y ago
Historically speaking, this is completely correct: before there were compilers, a "programmer" was someone who did what is now done by compilers. The actual software was designed by engineers. (Earlier than that, even, a programmer was someone who physically toggled the switches to input programs written by engineers into a computer.) The only reason there are any jobs left in this category is that there are companies who still believe (incorrectly) that we should have "programmers" doing the mechanical task of translating UML diagrams drawn by "architects" into code. I am glad to see this category shrinking (in favour of the software development/engineering categories) - because everybody in this industry deserves to have the creative value of their work recognised - and I hope to see it approach zero in the near future. http://www.zerobanana.com/essays/reclaiming-software-engineering/ http://www.zerobanana.com/essays/reclaiming-software-enginee...
- Uchikoma 14y ago
  Thanks.