What is a "Real Programmer"?

The concept of a "Real Programmer" originates from a humorous and satirical essay titled "Real Programmers Don't Use Pascal" by Ed Post, published in 1983 in Datamation. Here are the key points that define this archetype:

Programming Languages and Tools

• Real Programmers are characterized by their use of languages like Fortran and assembly language, which are closer to the hardware and more direct in their approach. They eschew modern languages that support structured programming, such as Pascal, which are seen as restrictive and less efficient for the machine12.

Work Environment and Skills

• Real Programmers work in environments that are more raw and demanding, often using punch cards, keypunches, and front panels of computers. They are adept at working with low-level details, such as toggling in bootstrap loaders in hex and repairing system tables over the phone12.

Operating Systems

• These programmers prefer operating systems like OS/370, which are complex and require a deep understanding of the system. They are skeptical of simpler systems like CP/M and Unix, viewing them as less serious or less challenging1.

Work Ethic and Culture

• Real Programmers are known for their intense work ethic, often working long hours under pressure. They prefer challenging tasks and are capable of solving complex problems, such as optimizing large Fortran programs or navigating spacecraft systems1.

Attitude Towards Modern Tools

• They are generally dismissive of modern programming tools and methodologies that emphasize structure, type checking, and user-friendliness. Instead, they prefer direct, hands-on approaches to programming, even to the point of patching binary object code directly1.

Cultural Significance

• The term has become part of computer folklore, symbolizing the hardcore, old-school programmer who values efficiency and directness over modern programming paradigms. It is often used in a humorous or nostalgic context to contrast with the more structured and user-friendly approaches of contemporary programming2.

In essence, the "Real Programmer" is an archetype that celebrates a bygone era of programming, emphasizing raw technical skill, a close relationship with hardware, and a disdain for what they see as the softening influences of modern programming practices.