Coders Aren't Superheroes

Media often depicts programmers as extraordinary beings who can type at lightning speed and instantly track down criminals across time and space. While most people recognize this exaggeration, many still harbor misconceptions about what programmers are truly capable of.

To clarify, the average programmer may not even know how to infiltrate their own device, let alone access a government database. Cybersecurity is just one of many branches within computer science, which encompasses:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Programming Languages and Compilers
• Education
• Computer Architecture
• Graphics
• Operating Systems
• Networking
• Scientific Computing
• Theory

While proficient hackers do exist, even they cannot perform the feats shown in television dramas. Programming requires meticulous planning and thought; it's exceptionally rare for someone to produce flawless code on the first attempt. Such a talent would be akin to finding a modern-day Mozart in computing.

Most programmers spend a significant amount of time utilizing resources like Stack Overflow, which is humorously illustrated in a video below.

Code's Morality Is Subjective

There is a tendency for people to categorize software as either beneficial or harmful. A computer virus is typically viewed negatively, while a software update from a well-known tech giant is often seen as innocuous or advantageous.

However, the reality is usually more complex. For instance, could a virus that compromises a terrorist organization's security be considered a bad thing? On the flip side, how can we be sure that a new update isn't secretly gathering and sharing your private information under the guise of enhancing user experience? We often place our trust in these companies because that's the norm.

A program itself isn't inherently good or evil; its impact depends entirely on the intentions of the programmer and the user.

Take, for example, the cyber-weapon Pegasus, released by Israel in 2011. According to the New York Times, it can covertly intercept smartphone communications without the user's consent or the cooperation of any service provider. While Pegasus has aided in apprehending drug traffickers and dismantling child exploitation networks, it has also been misused to suppress dissent and target human rights advocates in more oppressive regimes.

In essence, the implications of code far outweigh the code itself.

Programming Is a Learned Skill

It's crucial to understand that programming isn't an innate talent. As a former teaching assistant in computer science, I encountered many students who believed they lacked the ability to learn programming. I even had doubts during my initial coding journey.

The reality is that successful programmers aren't endowed with any genetic advantages. Coding is a skill that can be cultivated, refined, and mastered. Your proficiency in programming is largely influenced by your dedication and enthusiasm, rather than by any inherent gift.

While it's true that opportunities can vary, your mindset plays a significant role in your potential for success in programming. This sentiment echoes the syllabus of CS10: The Beauty and Joy of Computing, a course I co-taught last summer:

"We strive to demonstrate that while biases and discrimination exist, they shouldn't prevent anyone from learning computer science. Acknowledging the challenges many students face, we aim to show that computer science is a field where anyone can succeed—there's no innate 'talent' necessary to grasp its concepts. While different individuals encounter varying opportunities, one of CS10's objectives is to level the playing field."

Final Thoughts

Whether you're contemplating a journey into the realm of programming or simply wish to gain a better understanding of your coding peers, keep these insights in mind:

• Programming isn't a form of magic.
• The value of code is determined by the people behind it.
• Anyone can learn to code.

I hope these insights prove beneficial to you, just as they have for me.

Until next time, happy coding!

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