programmer

UK: /ˈprəʊɡræmə/ | US: /ˈproʊɡræmər/

Definition
  1. n. a person who writes computer programs

  2. n. a device or system that follows a set of instructions to perform tasks

Structure
program <plan/written instructions>er <agent noun suffix>
Etymology

The word "programmer" combines "program," derived from the Greek "programma" (a public notice or plan), and the suffix "-er," indicating a person who performs an action. Originally used in non-computer contexts (e.g., theater or radio programming), it shifted to computing in the mid-20th century as machines required coded instructions. The morpheme "program" retains its core meaning of structured instructions, while "-er" specifies the human (or mechanical) executor.

Examples
  1. The programmer debugged the software before the release.

  2. She trained for years to become a skilled programmer.

  3. This robot includes an advanced programmer for custom tasks.

  4. The team hired a programmer to optimize their website.

  5. Early programmers used punch cards to input data.