Computer Programmers and "Black Magic"

This week the 810 readings were all written by Nathan Ensmenger and all about the history of computer programmers from the 1940s to present.

I hadn't realized that the earliest forms of programming created a separation between a planner and coder, and that the coding aspect was considered menial labor. Ensmenger says that the transistion from coder to programmer was partially the result of the coders needing to rework the planner's work in order to make computer software run.

He uses this theme as a launching pad to discuss the idea of programmers as practitioners of 'black magic.' According to Ensmenger programmers were seen as highly creative individuals (at least in the late 50s and early 60s) who were irreplaceable. They practiced a black magic by doing a job that no one else could do. Cool shit.

Later, as the shortage of decent programmers was recognized, managers tried to 'dumb down' the profession and create ways in which they could train anyone to program (easier computer languages, training sessions, etc.), essentially taking the 'black magic' out of the profession. Ensmenger states that this tactic didn't work, and that the organizations that did this ended up with a lot of sub par programmers.

Which leads into the next major motif of Ensmenger's papers. What makes a good programmer? Apparently, extensive psychological testing and recruitment efforts have been made by industry to obtain good programmers in the past. Again, according to Ensmenger this has had less than efficient results. Although I haven't read all of his (Ensmenger's) work, it appears that there was never really a good solution for hiring or recruitment of programmers.

Finally, in an effort I'm leery of, Ensmenger tries to create a niche for technicians and programmers existing in limbo between white and blue collar workers. He advocates looking at these professionals with a different lens than other workers in order to provide another lens for industry in general. In order for me to buy this, I need more reasons why programmers are more individualistic than any other niche of worker, what exactly qualifies as a programmer, and how we are to look at this programmer niche historically.

All good readings, and very interesting. The 'black magic' bit and psychological testing aspects of the readings made them fun to read.