The term code monkey generally refers to a computer programmer or other person who writes computer code for a living. More specifically, it refers to a person only capable of grinding out code, but unable to perform the more intellectually complex tasks of software architecture, analysis, and design.
In this sense, the term is considered to be mildly insulting, and is often applied to the most junior people on a programming team.
"Code monkey" may also refer to a self-deprecating way of denying responsibility for a management decision, or of complaining about having to live with such decisions (e.g. "Don't ask me why we need to write a compiler in COBOL, I'm just a code monkey.").
The origin of the term "code monkey" is undetermined. Historically, the modifier 'monkey' has been used to link various vocations with the medium of that profession. A "grease monkey", for example, is understood to mean a low-level or non-professional automobile mechanic, while "tape monkey" has been used to refer to low-level audio engineers and computer machine room workers; in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, a "powder monkey" was an extremely low-level sailor, often as young as 10 years of age, who kept cannoneers supplied with gun-powder, shot, and tamping material.
Code monkey also refers to subordinate programmers who are required to produce large amounts of code. The type of code produced by those to whom this term is applied is usually simple and uninteresting. It is often used in a derogatory sense, but there are those who willingly apply this term to themselves—generally when they feel that their skills are being underutilized, and the work they do is suitable for a programmer with less skill or experience than their own. This is typified by the “I’m just a code monkey” usage referenced in the Jargon File.
Ironic self-deprecation by programmers who prefer to distance themselves from pointy-haired boss culture means that the term may in fact be one of approbation and in-group identification. In other words, sometimes the meaning can be completely reversed; it all depends on the tone and context.
Code Monkey get up, get coffee
Code Monkey go to job
Code Monkey have boring meeting
With boring manager Rob
Rob say Code Monkey very diligent
But his output stink
His code not functional or elegant
What do Code Monkey think?
Code Monkey think maybe manager want to write goddamn login page himself
Code Monkey not say it out loud
Code Monkey not crazy, just proud
Code Monkey like Fritos
Code Monkey like Tab and Mountain Dew
Code Monkey very simple man
Big, warm, fuzzy, secret heart
Code Monkey like you
Code Monkey like you
Code Monkey hang around at front desk
Tell you sweater look nice
Code Monkey offer buy you soda
Bring you cup, bring you ice
You say no thank you for the soda, cuz
Soda make you fat
Anyway you busy with the telephone
No time for chat
Code Monkey have long walk back to cubicle
He sit down pretend to work
Code Monkey not thinking so straight
Code Monkey not feeling so great
Code Monkey like Fritos
Code Monkey like Tab and Mountain Dew
Code Monkey very simple man
Big, warm, fuzzy, secret heart
Code Monkey like you
Code Monkey like you... a lot
Code Monkey have every reason
To get out this place
Code Monkey just keep on working
See a soft pretty face
Much rather wake up eat a coffee cake
Take bath, take nap
This job fulfilling in creative way
Such a load of crap
Code Monkey think some day he have everything, even pretty girl like you
Code Monkey just waiting for now
Code Monkey say someday, somehow...
Code Monkey like Fritos
Code Monkey like Tab and Mountain Dew
Code Monkey very simple man
Big, warm, fuzzy, secret heart
Code Monkey like you
Code Monkey like you
