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Colloquially they are synonyms. Especially amongst people who don't make software. It's not derogatory and not worth getting bent out of shape about.

BUT ... (Bet you saw this coming)

Coders turn detailed specs into code. No real thought required.

Programmers, or software developers, design systems and code them themselves.

That's the distinction I make anyway. I've seen coders at some workplaces. It's a dreary job and I would never do it.

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I have seen similar articles with the word "programmer" used in place of "coder" and "developer" used in place of "programmer". I don't think there is any hard and fast rules as to what makes a coder / programer / developer / software engineer.

I think that is part of the problem. The outside world sees these as equal. While after 10 years in the industry I can see the difference between someone who can write a script that will get the job done (for the time being), and someone who can design / write decent code that you expect to be working a year or two later.

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