Code monkey
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A code monkey generally refers to a computer programmer or other person who writes computer code for a living. More specifically, it refers to person only capable of grinding out code, but unable to perform the higher-primate tasks of software architecture, analysis, and design. In this sense, the term is considered to be mildly insulting, and is often applied to the most junior people on a programming team. "Code monkey" may also refer to a self-deprecating way of denying responsibility for a management decision, or of complaining about having to live with such decisions (e.g. "Don't ask me why we need to write a compiler in COBOL, I'm just a code monkey.").
The term can also apply to amateur computer programmers who stitch together snippets of code found on the internet and in books to make an application, without having an appreciation or understanding what the principles behind the code or the concept of coding are.
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[edit] Etymology & usage
The origin of the term code monkey is likely the older term tape monkey, and is related to the jargon term one-banana problem. In either case, the implication is that the job in question is a menial one that could be performed by a trained monkey.
[edit] Derogatory use
Modern use of the term often applies to amateur computer programmers who stitch together snippets of code found on the internet and in books to make an application, without having an appreciation or understanding what the principles behind the code or the concept of coding are. High level languages with GUI Integrated development environments, like Visual Basic, make it fairly easy for people with no training to put together simple programs using these techniques. With the advent of Javascript and the World Wide Web, a new type of code monkey has emerged, the web monkey. A web monkey is a web designer who does little original work, but rather gathers scripts and animations to create pages that are full of eye candy but with little real information.
A milder use would be a programmer referring to anyone subordinate to themselves; for example, a software engineer might consider those whose job is to implement a design to be code monkeys, or an application software programmer might consider any web designer to be a web monkey.
[edit] Self deprecating use
Code monkey also refers to subordinate programmers who are required to produce large amounts of code. The type of code produced by those to whom this term is applied is usually simple and uninteresting. It is often used in a derogative sense, but there are those who willingly apply this term to themselves—generally when they feel that their skills are being underutilized, and the work they do is suitable for a programmer with less skill or experience than their own. This is typified by the “I’m just a code monkey” usage referenced in the Jargon File.
Ironic self-deprecation by programmers who prefer to distance themselves from pointy-haired boss culture means that the term may in fact be one of approbation and in-group identification. In other words, sometimes the meaning can be completely reversed; it all depends on the tone and context.
Jonathan Coulton’s song "Code Monkey", which has attracted some Slashdotters’ attention [1], describes the frustrations of a junior programmer’s life.
[edit] See also
This article is based in part on the Jargon File, which is in the public domain.
