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Programmer vs. Developer

 
Ranch Hand
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Could someone define the day to day duties of a programmer vs. a developer in java? I know this is a rather general question, but I'm not looking for a very specific answer. Any input would be helpful. Thanks.
 
Bartender
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Sean,
I use the terms interchangeably. I think SUN just use the terms for convenience to differentiate the two tests (SCJP2 and SCJD).
If you twisted my arm and asked me to give you example of how I think they would be different I would say the following:
Programmer - codes and test.
Developer - Does what a Programmer does plus gathers requirement and does high-level design. (NOTE, I'm not saying a Programmer doesn't do any design.) A Developer may do the design at a higher level.
My $0.02.
-Peter
 
Desperado
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In the old days it would have been the difference between
Programmer and Programmer/Analyst
 
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In my experience, developers don't normally support applications. That job is handed off to the "coders" or "maintenance programmers" who are generally equipped to do minor changes and enhancements.
Developers have the expertise to quickly and efficiently craft large or complex applications from scratch. Because of that trait, they aren't generally called on to do the work of a maintenance programmer... but are, rather, moved on to other bigger projects.
This might be cliche, but I look at Developers as Artists and Programmers as Craftsmen.
 
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Originally posted by R Hayes:
This might be cliche, but I look at Developers as Artists and Programmers as Craftsmen.


I look at developers as captains and prorgammers as fishermen...
 
pie sneak
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It's about the same as the difference between a dweeb and a geek - most people don't know the difference and those that do know the difference have probably been both at one time or another.
 
B Hayes
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Head-hunters are aware of the difference, even if clients or sub-contractors aren't.
If you are a "developer" and a head-hunter bills you out at "programmer" rates, then you better get the definition straight because you are taking a big cut
 
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The terms are often used interchangably, but in theory a developer indeed has broader responsibilities than just to code.
Effectively that makes most programmers with some experience developers, as we've probably all made some design decisions and done some research into new technologies to use instead of just blindly punching in code to follow some super detailed design document.
 
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i like the title software developers more than programmer
 
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i think Software Engineer is better, non IT person can understand who you are if you tell him that you are S/W Engineer. Otherwise work-wise all are same to me, even if there was some difference between these designation in early days it doesn't exist now.
Wheneever theer is a boom, IT companies give some attractive names to the designation to attract candidates, but the work remains the same be it S/w Engineer, Developer , Programmer.
 
Greenhorn
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Yes Prakash, what you told is right....
 
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