Cowboy Coder

Noun · Hacker Culture

Definitions

  1. A programmer who writes and ships code independently, quickly, and often recklessly, without enough planning, review, or testing. The phrase usually criticizes a style that scales poorly in team environments even when the individual is talented.

    In plain English: A programmer who works fast and independently but often too recklessly.

    Example: "The prototype worked, but cowboy coder habits turned maintenance into a nightmare."

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