code like a girl
Sep 6, 2006 Random Bits
I came across this phrase a few weeks ago while looking for information on some CSS topic I was struggling with. I could immediately identify because I pore over my code until it’s perfect (to me). Occassionally, I let things slip. But they nag at me every time I see the code until I have to straighten it out. I even clean up the sloppy code on scripts I end up not using. I can’t stand testing a messy script. (I don’t know if this is a girl thing or an obsessive-compulsive thing.)
So in honor in these two blog posts: the simple definition and the more-detailed version, I created a button for anyone who wants to let the world know they are code perfectionists.
I used a free button-maker I found online. If code is poetry (the motto of WordPress), then girly code is haiku.
September 18th, 2006 at 3:01 pm
Amanda,
I don’t think it’s a girl thing or an obsessive-compulsive thing, is a pride thing. I’m a programmer by profession and I write well formatted code. I don’t think I would call it girly code, but code that is written in a sloppy manor is just bad code. Being sloppy, and this goes for anything, is just a sign that you don’t really care about what you’re doing.
Robert.
September 19th, 2006 at 8:33 am
Robert,
I agree with you that well-written code is simply professional code. (I’m not claiming to be a professional coder.) But after I read the two blog posts I referenced in my post, I wanted to have fun with the concept. As the longer post I referenced pointed out, even the so-called professionals often churn out sloppiness.
Not to mention the fact that I wanted to create my own Web 2.0 button.
XX
Amanda
March 27th, 2008 at 7:48 am
I LOVE it, especially as I’m simply perusing blogs while I let a database coding issue marinate in my head!
Must. Be. Perfect.
xoxo
jessica
March 28th, 2008 at 6:46 am
Jessica,
I don’t envy your database issues. I usually get my problem solved in the middle of the night, often when I can’t remember it when I wake up.
XX
August 14th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Amanda’ Ive been brosing your website for a hour or so.Im completely beside myself. I knew you were someone special but I had no idea! My God! Sorry for writing you here, but Its the only place I could figure out how to talk to you! Yes I suppose Im an idiot on your level,but not a KKK redneck right! I seriously just wanted to see you again but I get the feeling you were only doing reseach when we met. Oh well, it was amazing and Im one lucky guy to have been in the right place at the right time. The Larry the Cable Guys have no idea how wonderful you are. [ Im not a wierdo, really ha ha] Anyway, If Im wrong about my feeling,send email,reply here, or send smoke signal.How about call? I hate computers! You know my area code 881-9012 xoxo mb
August 15th, 2008 at 6:47 am
Mike,
I’m not just “doing research”. A friend of mine asked me about this. It stopped being “research” when I started having sex. It’s real, which is why I’m being affected by it.
Do come see me again if you can. You’d be a welcome break in routine!
XX
November 4th, 2008 at 9:16 am
Is coding like a girl similar to playing like a girl (http://lorinator.feminoise.com/)?
Or is the whole ‘like a girl’ thing becoming a buzz phrase/brand in its own right. Then again, perhaps it’s just coincidence.
Love the button btw.
November 4th, 2008 at 9:23 am
Kenny,
I have no idea if “like a girl” is becoming a branding idea. As a girl, I like it beyond any marketing mumbo-jumbo.
Glad you like my button! Pass it along to other girl-coders!
XX
April 14th, 2009 at 7:40 am
that is creative! i like the idea very much!
April 14th, 2009 at 7:57 am
Creative Home,
Glad you like it! Feel free to use the badge as you want.
XX
April 15th, 2009 at 8:11 pm
I am a female programmer as well and am disgusted by the code some of my male counterparts write. I’m a stickler for indentation and best practices along with naming conventions. I have been ridiculed for this. I will use your code like a girl button with pride. I really do want a button that I can put on my laptop bag to display in airports and at client sites.
Thanks for the post.
April 16th, 2009 at 7:26 am
Amber,
I’m glad you get the concept and like my button! Thank you! Let’s get more girl-coders out there. If you do make it into a physical thing (like sticker), let me know because I’ll want one too.
XX
June 1st, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Haha, the Button is very nice!
I will use it for my girlfriends blog
June 1st, 2009 at 10:22 pm
Langenfeld,
You’re welcome! Hope your girlfriend enjoys it.
XX
December 29th, 2009 at 11:39 am
Can I have one of these, pretty please? I am nothing if not a girl coder.\\\\
xxxooo
B.
January 26th, 2010 at 1:12 pm
I am also a female programmer as well and am disgusted by the code some of my colleguies, even thought we may be able to do a better job.
January 28th, 2010 at 5:41 am
Maurie,
Glad you liked my post! Use the badge anywhere you want.
XX
January 29th, 2010 at 10:52 pm
That is very creative! i like the idea very much!
Lucy.
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:33 pm
I agree with you that well-written code is simply professional code. I am a female programmer as well.
July 3rd, 2010 at 1:48 am
This post is just what I needed. You gained a new fan right here. Can’t wait for your next post.
January 29th, 2011 at 11:09 am
I hate messy code too. It makes my brain hurt!
Girls coders rule!
January 30th, 2011 at 5:42 am
Ana — I remember you! Nice to see you around again!
XX