Deciphering the Distinction: Programming vs. Coding

Usually, programmers are experienced developers of senior middle and senior levels. Junior and strong junior developers have similar powers but work more on code quality. So, junior developers are coders, who can only perform a specific task, but due to a lack of experience in web app designing, there might be problems with large project implementation.

Among the duties of a programmer, the following can be distinguished:

• Web development. A programmer takes part in web solution development from a blank sheet and based on ready-made templates, thinking through effective front-end and back-end. Depending on the qualification level and skill set, it can be exclusively a front-end developer, a back-end developer, or a full-stack developer.
• Knowledge of databases and SQL. During backend development, a programmer works on databases that can efficiently collect, store, process, and protect data. Also, the programmer scales the databases for the project, and develops the architecture, using such tools as MySQL and PostgreSQL.
  
  
• Mastering Cloud Computing. A good programmer should be familiar with cloud computing tools, as these tools provide developers with virtual servers and databases online. One of the most famous cloud organizations is AWS, one of the largest providers of cloud services. AWS includes hosting, archives that store large amounts of data, serverless computing, optimization, acceleration of web solutions, and more.
• Data structures and algorithms development. This includes understanding different data types and choosing the most suitable structures for a specific task. Like, for example, lists, arrays, hash tables, trees, graphs, etc. A programmer must be able to evaluate the effectiveness of each data structure in the context of a specific task.
• Working with Git, where the code is stored.  To facilitate teamwork tracking, a programmer should master the skills of working with GitHub and GitLab.

A coder has similar responsibilities, but is also responsible for the following:

• Writing and testing code and detecting errors. After code writing, a coder must check its syntax, test it, and refactor it on their server, to which only he has access, following the principle of development on three servers. They can test their code with tools that are built into a framework.
• Bug fixes. After a tester has identified and classified a bug on the staging server, a coder fixes code bugs, and functionality. Then, a coder makes sure that all site functions work properly.
• Update of existing programs. After the web solution has already been deployed in production, it periodically needs support and updates. The coder’s mandate includes constantly updating the project and introducing modern innovations that will allow the web solution to meet a user’s basic needs.
• Adaptation of the program for different operating systems. To adjust the web solutions for multiple platforms, a coder should rewrite a code so that the solution works normally both as a web app and as an installed application on a PC and a smartphone. A coder may have tools in his arsenal that help facilitate the adaptation of a web solution to different platforms.
• Cyber protection. A coder must prescribe data protection mechanisms and design different user access levels to information. This protection can also be thought out with the help of blockchain mechanisms, antiviruses, firewalls, etc.

As for soft skills, a programmer and a coder must be a team worker, ready to solve any problems that may arise in the workplace. So, both developers must be able to adapt to changes in the project and work schedule, but they must also have time management skills to invest in sprints.

Is programming easy?

Programming and coding can be difficult, but the level of professional mastering can depend on many other factors. For example, it could be the tendency of the future developer to mathematical calculations and their interest in modern technologies. Entering the profession also depends on the level of training and training courses completed by a developer.

Understanding the difference between programming and coding is important for web development experts and beginners. Even though these concepts are synonymous, the difference between a programmer and a coder is still obvious. A programmer, a senior and senior-middle developer, prescribes the instructions that the web solution must follow and designs a web project structure, writes and tests the code, and works on the front end and back end. A coder, a junior developer, has a smaller scope of authority and works mainly with code and its syntax.

Regardless of your level of expertise in web development, you need to understand that coding and programming advance the technological process, support the digital space, and allow us to interact with computers and create new technologies for the future.