There is always a misconception about understanding the role of a Hacker, a Programmer, a Developer, and a Security Researcher. We have always been stuck with the quote, “Security is Just an illusion.” So why did we use to write this line everywhere? Such questions might be asked in Interviews or in any IT Department. So Read this article till the end! And Do share when you complete it.
All the applications and software we use, from booting your computer to switching it off, are designed from code. A specific person designs this code. Some know this person as a ‘Programmer‘ while some know this person as a ‘Developer.’ So basically, In this article, we will differentiate between two similar terms #1 would be Programmer vs. Developer, and #2 would be Hacker vs. Security Researcher.
However, the function of all four of them is entirely different. Thus, here we are to clear this doubt once and for all! Below, we have explained the difference between a Programmer, a Developer, a Hacker, and a Security Researcher. So stay tuned to solve any doubt you must have on your part.
As an introduction, you can explain all four categories mathematically as a Venn diagram. For example, consider Programmers to be a Universal Set, and Developers and Hackers are intersecting Subsets of the Universal set of Programmers. This is the mathematical illustration of the introduction of Programmers, Developers, and Hackers.
Programmers & Developers
A programmer is the most skilled coder and has only expertise in a few programming languages. The primary function of a programmer is to write the codes for a smooth and efficient application. Both the Hackers and Developers are Programmers. However, Programmers are not meant to be Hackers or Developers.
Developers create things which is the reason why they are called Developers. A Developer can find ways to identify and solve a problem. Developers manage their applications’ maintainability, performance, robustness, and security.
Hacker
A Hacker is a creative person with expertise in various areas such as computer knowledge, programming, etc. Hackers are required in emergencies and are widely known for their speed. A hacker uses bugs or any other errors to enter a computer system. A Hacker does not makes applications but makes alterations to them to enter its system.
Security Researcher
The rise of cyber-attacks and the origins of new Malware increases the demand for Security Researchers. In short and simple, a Security researcher is the one who used to find Bug, Malware, and Exploits in various web applications and reports them to company owners, and takes a security bounty. Unlike Hackers, as we told you above. Hackers may sell this same data or could be used for wrong associations. Therefore, the scope of Jobs for Security researchers is relatively high in demand.
This is the difference between a Programmer, a Hacker, a Developer, and a security researcher. No need to create any confusion related to these terms. These all terms are integrated. However, if you still have any doubts, let us know in the comments below.