Coders Who They Are, What They Think and How They Are Changing Our World

The book "Coders" is widely praised for its engaging and insightful exploration of coder culture and the broader tech industry. Many readers found it to be a fascinating anthropological account, offering a well-researched overview of how the industry and its stereotypes have evolved. Reviewers appreciate the author's ability to make complex topics accessible, presenting an intelligent discussion of programming as an occupational structure and its historical development. The book is lauded for its comprehensive scope, covering a wide array of subjects from the early days of computing, the shifting demographics of programmers, to contemporary issues like artificial intelligence, social media's impact, and the concept of "blue-collar coding." Readers, including those in the software industry, found many observations to be spot-on, providing valuable insights into the mindset and daily frustrations of coders.

Despite its strengths, several reviewers expressed significant criticisms. Some found the book to be overly verbose, lacking deep insights, and relying too heavily on transient hype, cherry-picked anecdotes, and pop-culture references. A notable concern was the selection of interviewees, with critics pointing out the omission of many pivotal figures in computer science in favor of lesser-known individuals, some of whom were perceived as the author's personal acquaintances. Accusations were made regarding the author's perceived ideological lens, leading to what some considered biased interpretations, factual errors, and a tendency to make broad generalizations about coders. Certain chapters, particularly those touching on social justice issues or artificial intelligence, were cited as being either repetitive, outdated, or displaying a superficial understanding of technical concepts like algorithmic bias. Some also felt the book read more like a collection of previously published essays, leading to a lack of cohesion or depth in certain areas.

Overall, "Coders" offers a thought-provoking, albeit polarizing, look at the people behind the software that shapes our world. While some readers found it to be a compelling and fair portrayal that sheds light on important social and cultural dynamics within tech, others were critical of its perceived lack of rigor, selective focus, and strong opinions. It is best suited for a broad audience interested in understanding the human element of the tech industry, its history, and its societal implications, rather than those seeking a highly technical deep dive or a purely celebratory account of famous computer scientists. Readers who appreciate a journalistic, essay-style approach to exploring complex social issues within a specific industry, and who are open to a critical perspective on tech culture, are likely to find this book engaging and informative, provided they are aware of its potential biases and limitations mentioned by some reviewers.