Programmers

/ˈproʊɡræmərz/ noun

Definition

people who write computer code

Etymology

from program + -er suffix

Kelly Says

Programmers program programs - they speak computer!

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Early computing (1940s-50s) was dominated by women 'computers' and programmers (Hopper, Lovelace, etc.), then masculinized as the field gained prestige. Male default assumed in contemporary usage despite women's foundational contributions.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'software engineers' or 'developers' with awareness that women pioneered programming; name pioneers when historically relevant.

Inclusive Alternatives

["software engineers","developers","computing professionals"]

Empowerment Note

Ada Lovelace and Grace Hopper were foundational to programming logic and compiler design. Women's early dominance in coding was actively displaced as the field professionalized.

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