Senior Programmer?

Depends on the company, but usually someone who has significant input on project design and direction without actually being the project lead. Usually at least 5 years of experience.

Generally a Senior Programmer/Artist/Designer/Producer/Whatever is someone with 5+ (may vary per company) years of experience in their field.

They forgot to mention that you also need to be at least 65 years of age to qualify for senior programmer [wink]

Thanks eveyone,that was the fastest response I have ever got.Instead of creating a new thread I just want to ask this little question.Is it hard for entry level programmers to break into the industry ?Because I have seen a lot of senior programmers listed at gamustra.

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Original post by maniac20 What is the definition of a senior programmer?

Someone who negotiated more pay than a regular programmer ;)
They usually have above average skills/experience/knowledge and have a greater responsibilities in the project.

I wouldn't say that it is hard to break into the industry as an entry level programmer. Just make sure you have a degree, can demonstrate strong proficiency in C++, and have worked on a game or two. A polished demo can go a long way!

As far as seeing lots of listing for Senior Programmers, that is because they are hard to come by. There are never enough good programmers to go around and being a senior programmer generally means that well, you know what you're doing.

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Original post by Zipster They forgot to mention that you also need to be at least 65 years of age to qualify for senior programmer [wink]

Hmm... how would you qualify as a junior then ? [grin]

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Original post by RedDrake Hmm... how would you qualify as a junior then ? [grin]

Junior = !Senior;

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Original post by maniac20 Is it hard for entry level programmers to break into the industry? Because I have seen a lot of senior programmers listed at gamustra.

Bear in mind that game companies generally don't need to advertise for entry level positions, as they get plenty of applications from new graduates anyway.

Good senior (ie. experienced) programmers are hard to find, which is why they are most prevalent in adverts.

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Original post by zer0wolf As far as seeing lots of listing for Senior Programmers, that is because they are hard to come by. There are never enough good programmers to go around and being a senior programmer generally means that well, you know what you're doing.

One reason is that senior programmers tend to move to, and stick with, companies that treat them well. There is no reason to leave such a company.


Once you find a company that treats you well and compensates you nicely you are going need a reason before you jump to a new unknown company, where you are suddenly the 'new guy', where you are uncertain that they will treat you well, etc. Most established companies treat the senior people appropriately, giving them no reason to leave.


Another reason is that when a senior programmer leaves, it is generally because they don't want to be a programmer any more. It is common to want to transition into the management side of things. Very few people want to be code monkeys until they retire.

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Original post by frob Once you find a company that treats you well and compensates you nicely you are going need a reason before you jump to a new unknown company, where you are suddenly the 'new guy', where you are uncertain that they will treat you well, etc. Most established companies treat the senior people appropriately, giving them no reason to leave.

On the flip-side of that, there was a guy in my team that we were trying to get promoted to senior (we didn't have a senior at the time, and this guy was brilliant), but the company didn't want to cough up for a senior salary so we lost him to Google (who now pay him more than double what we were paying him, plus all the other benefits...).

Thanks for the responses again.

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Original post by Hodgman Quote: Original post by frob Once you find a company that treats you well and compensates you nicely you are going need a reason before you jump to a new unknown company, where you are suddenly the 'new guy', where you are uncertain that they will treat you well, etc. Most established companies treat the senior people appropriately, giving them no reason to leave. On the flip-side of that, there was a guy in my team that we were trying to get promoted to senior (we didn't have a senior at the time, and this guy was brilliant), but the company didn't want to cough up for a senior salary so we lost him to Google (who now pay him more than double what we were paying him, plus all the other benefits...).

Thats the classic reason for a senior programmer to move. Too many compagnies still dont understand that real, good programmers are not "ressources", they're TALENT. Switching employer will typically increase your salary faster than requesting raises. Of course who knows if you'll actually like your new job...

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Original post by Steadtler Thats the classic reason for a senior programmer to move. Too many compagnies still dont understand that real, good programmers are not "resources", they're TALENT. Switching employer will typically increase your salary faster than requesting raises. Of course who knows if you'll actually like your new job...

Yeah, but then you can switch again and increase your salary again! [smile]

Seriously, though, you're absolutely right: good programmers are talent, and smart companies cultivate them.