Who are citizen programmers?

Citizen programmers are individuals who create software applications using simple coding tools and platforms, often without formal training in programming. They typically operate with minimal oversight, leveraging low-code or no-code development environments to build applications that meet specific needs. This trend has emerged to empower non-technical users—such as business analysts or other professionals—to contribute to software development processes, thereby accelerating innovation and enhancing productivity within organizations.

The role of citizen programmers is significant in bridging the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders, allowing for quicker development cycles and solutions that are more closely aligned with business requirements. They bring unique perspectives from their domains of expertise, resulting in applications that may be more user-friendly and relevant.

In contrast, professionals with formal programming degrees, software engineers in large corporations, and IT specialists managing databases typically operate within structured roles that require extensive technical knowledge and expertise. While these professionals may also contribute to software development, the defining characteristic of citizen programmers is their ability to create software solutions with little to no formal programming background or extensive oversight, focusing instead on practical problem-solving within their work environments.