Coders
Who They Are, What They Think and How They Are Changing Our World
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Pan Macmillan
Published:5th Mar '20
Should be back in stock very soon

This book offers a profound exploration of computer programmers, examining their history, mindset, and the ethical implications of their work in today's society.
In Coders, Clive Thompson delves into the intricate world of computer programmers, exploring their origins and unique mindset. This immersive study reveals the factors that contribute to their success and the ethical considerations that arise from their work. Thompson emphasizes the importance of understanding the role of coders in shaping our modern society, as their creations influence everything from social media interactions to economic structures.
The narrative takes readers on a journey through the history of programming, highlighting the contributions of early pioneers, particularly women, whose significant achievements have often been overlooked. By shedding light on these overlooked figures, Coders not only honors their legacy but also emphasizes the need for a more inclusive understanding of the tech landscape.
Thompson also engages with the moral implications of coding, questioning how the decisions made by programmers can impact civic life and the economy. Through a thoughtful examination of the coding community, Coders provides crucial insights into the mechanics of technology and encourages readers to reflect on the broader consequences of code in their everyday lives.
Fascinating. Thompson is an excellent writer and his subjects are themselves gripping . . . Many books have covered this territory, but Coders is bang up to date in a fast-moving world. * Nature *
[Thompson] is a brilliant social anthropologist. And, in this masterful book, he illuminates both the fascinating coders and the bewildering technological forces that are transforming the world in which we live. -- David Grann, author of The Lost City of Z
[Thompson] outlines [coders’] different personality traits, their history and cultural touchstones . . . By breaking down what the actual world of coding looks like . . . he removes the mystery and brings it into the legible world for the rest of us to debate. * New York Times *
With his trademark clarity and insight, Thompson gives us an unparalleled vista into the mind-set and culture of programmers, the often-invisible architects and legislators of the digital age. -- Steven Johnson, author of How We Got to Now
Coders is an engrossing, deeply clued-in ethnography, and it’s also a book about power, a new kind: where it comes from, how it feels to wield it, who gets to try – and how all that is changing. -- Robin Sloan, author of Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore
Before I read this brilliantly accessible book . . . coding was something of a foggy concept to me . . . There are strings of engaging insights into the anthropology of computer programmers. * Bookseller *
An avalanche of profiles, stories, quips, and anecdotes in this beautifully reported book returns us constantly to people, their stories, their hopes and thrills and disappointments . . . Fun to read, this book knows its stuff and makes it fun to learn.
* Philadelphia Inquirer *ISBN: 9781529019001
Dimensions: 197mm x 132mm x 27mm
Weight: 300g
448 pages