In 2021, there were approximately 26.9 million software developers around the world. Statista projects that number will climb to 28.7 million by 2024.
These professionals—the magic behind the technology we use every day—are constantly at the precipice of change. They are responsible for the most cutting-edge advancements we make as a society. And while they are the behind-the-scenes individuals who make everything work, they are among the most in-demand talent across the globe.
That’s why, on September 13, we are taking a moment to acknowledge and celebrate these unsung heroes, the innovators who make our lives so much easier every day.
International Programmers Day takes place on the 256th day of the year, chosen because, in binary code, 256 is the number of distinct values that can be represented by a byte. It is also the highest power of 2 less than the number of days in a given year, 365. Because of this, Programmers Day is celebrated on September 12 on leap years.
What Do Developers Do?
What don’t software developers do? We all benefit from the work of programmers. They are responsible for some of the most creative and innovative tools we use every day—not to mention the ones we take for granted. They affect every industry, from medicine to retail to finance to education to transportation. They are critical to how we interact and communicate. They are responsible for everything from our most critical tools to our entertainment.
Just some of the remarkable innovations, tools, and technologies developers have made possible include:
- Voice assistance technology, like Siri and Alexa
- Smart vehicles
- Games
- Chatbots
- Websites and web applications
- Work-from-home (WFH) setups
- Teleconferencing platforms like Zoom
- Communication tools like Slack
- Streaming platforms
- Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR)
- Data analytics
- Customer relationship management (CRM) systems
- Smart cities
- Smart homes
- Mobile apps
- Social networking platforms
- Dating applications
- Cloud computing tools
- Cybersecurity
A Brief History of International Programmers Day
Also known as the Day of the Programmer, International Programmers Day was established in 2009, when former Russia president Dmitry Medvedev signed an executive order establishing the day as a professional holiday.
The concept was originally a proposal from Valentin Balt and Michael Cherviakov, members of Parallel Technologies, who began collecting signatures supporting the holiday back in 2002.
In 2022, the holiday is celebrated in countries around the world.
How To Find Software Developers
Thanks to the rise of remote work, you can find experienced, high-quality software developers all around the world—you don’t need to rely on the talent in your immediate area. If you require certain specializations—specializations that are not necessarily on your doorstep—you will be sure to find them by tapping into a global marketplace.
BairesDev is proud to be one of the top software and IT outsourcing companies in Latin America, a region where tech talent is booming. Our partners in North America turn to us because of the unique expertise our engineers and professionals bring to their businesses—and that’s not limited to technical skills. All our employees are bilingual and possess strong soft skills, too.
We’re also proud of annual recognitions from organizations like Clutch, Tech Times, Inc., and many others.
The point is, tech talent is all around us. Think outside the box when searching for and hiring software developers!
How Can You Recognize Programmers?
For Programmers
If you’re a developer, today is your day. Give yourself a pat on the back for your phenomenal innovation, critical thinking, and hard work. Why not celebrate with these ideas, too?
1. Speak in Code All Day
Suggest speaking in code to your fellow programmers. We recommend choosing a programming language with an English or English-like syntax, such as Python. If you can keep this up for the entirety of the day, then kudos to you!
2. Have a Hackathon
A little friendly competition never hurt anyone. Hold a hackathon to test out your skills and compete against your peers. Maybe you’ll manage to come up with some cool new ideas to bring to your work or personal life.
3. Decorate Your Workstation
Decorate your cubicle or office with coding-related designs and artwork, such as binary code. Even if you’re working remotely, you can still add some pizazz—such as by changing up your Zoom background.
For Everyone
1. Have a Coding-themed Party
Show your appreciation for the programmers on your team by holding a party, complete with coding-themed cocktails and decorations. Why not bake a binary code cake or make some numerical cookies, too?
2. Share Your Admiration for Developers on Social Media
Offer praise and positive words for your developers—and all developers—by giving them a shoutout on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Calling them out by name will have an even bigger impact.
3. Exchange Fun Gifts
Give programmers on your team fun gifts and tokens of your appreciation, such as mugs with binary jokes or themes, treats, or even bonuses of, say, $256. Anyone will appreciate the small gesture.
Join Us in Wishing Everyone a Wonderful Programmers Day!
September 13 is an official day of recognition for the amazing, creative, brilliant software developers among us, but these individuals deliver every day. Don’t forget to celebrate the programmers and talented technologists you know—in your work or personal life—every day. Today, in particular, take a moment to reach out to your developer friends and say, “Thank you for all that you do.”
