Everytime I hear the word 'coding' or 'code' in regard to programming, I get a twitch of annoyance in my brain. Seriously, that word is so overused that it's now cliche to me. And it does nothing to distinguish the kind of language someone is using. Is a software engineer solving an advanced problem using C or is it some newby who only knows HTML? Please stop saying thing like, 'i know how to code' when all you know it's HTML. Be specific, you're not fooling anyone. Also, please, don't use that phrase if you're an advanced software engineer either. You're better than that.

It's used as a generalisation because no one is going to be like "this guy is a programmer because he does x"... It's really not a big deal.

I think you're asking a lot. People rarely describe the fine detail of their job when someone asks what they do. If computer people were the only ones who did this, we'd just seem extra nerdy when people already think that.

Consider it - there are mechanics, secretaries, managers, teachers, etc. None of these job titles accurately describe the full context, but people get the rough idea, which is generally enough.

@samk If someone asks me what I do I always tell them my position, not 'I code'. *Shudder* And I don't know if anyone who's official position is 'Coder' **shudderrrrrrr**

So I suppose you also get annoyed by other forms of abstraction? If I say I'm working on some code, the language is not really relevant. If someone is solving a problem using HTML, COBOL, C, FORTRAN, Java, R, Stata, Python, Julia, or any other language they are still using code which is translated into binary to make a computer do something. Sorry but I fail to understand why abstracting some of the details of someone's work is so problematic to you and why there is any need for a holier than thou position on it.

@wbuchanan Calm down. I'm stating my opinion on the matter, not a fact proven to be true by industry professionals. All I'm saying is that for me and others the use of the word 'code' had become cliche. Personally, I'd rather use a specific term do describe what I'm developing. You can use the word 'code' all you want. I won't stop you. However, I prefer not to use it.

@wbuchanan Besides, if you listed out all the languages you were using to solve a problem rather than using the word 'code', like you just did in your example, I would be MUCH more interested than if you used the word 'code'. Just using that one word, in my opinion, make whatever one's working on sound kinda boring.

@Letmecode I know right?? Also, just out of curiosity, if you feel that way like I do, then why does your username contain the word?

@theredcameron I would guess that people who don't work in software probably won't get what your position means (and I don't even know what it is).

I never know whether I'm a software engineer, computer programmer or front-end developer. But using any of them generally gives the person asking enough of an idea. I've had Engineer and Developer (with various prefixes) as official job titles in my time.

And to be fair, you did order us in your opening post not to use certain terms or phrases. That's because they grind your gears - and that's fine! - but try not to get too antsy when someone thinks you're being a bit demanding.

@Letmecode Ah OK. That's understandable.

@Letmecode You deserve a ++ for simply having put that level of thought into it! Kudos...

Oh lord, this bothers me so much, too. I often have this exchange:

Me: I'm a software developer.

Them: that's so cool, I tried coding once. I could never code.
||
Them: oh, so you just code all day?

Maybe it shouldn't bug me so much, but it absolutely hits a nerve. There's more to software than mindlessly bashing out text. Call it writing-- there's at least the implication of planning/architecting, then.

For me, it absolutely depends on who I'm speaking to. You'll sometimes hear me say "I'm a Senior Software Architect" if I'm talking to somebody who understands the technology industry.

If I'm talking to someone less familiar with the industry, I use "Software Engineer," "Software Developer," or "Computer Programmer" interchangeably.

If I'm talking to my coworkers I might say "He's a C# dev at XYZ company" or "She prefers coding Angular."

It's really no different than any other industry. The specifics only matter to those who give a shit about the specifics. Most people asking "What do you do?" don't, unless they are also in the industry.

In Ireland it is in the news as "coding" as schools are starting to "code". Parents are saying, "oh my little Timmy loves to code"...... ARGH!!!!

@wilziack Tell me... Are they writing code? Yes.

Does that make them coders? Yes.

@drRoss just ranting dude

I also don't like "coding." I prefer "programming" or "scripting" or "designing."

When you say you're a "coder" i assume you are a script kiddie.

@tpalmerstudios Wouldn't script kiddies be scripting?

@drRoss Nah I've never heard someone say they're 'scripting'. That would be just as annoying.