End user programming/informal programming

Abstract

The phenomenon we call "programming" is not limited to regular professional programmers. Farthest away are end user programmers, who program just as a means to an end in their own professions. In between are people with very diverse backgrounds, general education, and programming knowledge. Like professional programmers, they write programs for others as their major job activity. Yet they also share characteristics of end user programmers, such as a strong specialization in one application area. All these "informal programmers" need more study and support to help them maximize their contributions.