Coding by Spacebar Earns Significantly More than Tabbing

If you have ever tried program coding, you will almost certainly have come across the space bar or tab preference. Would you believe however that a recent study has found that programmers who prefer the space bar technique on average earn significantly more?

What is space bar and tab coding?

If you are familiar with coding, this will make perfect sense, for those that aren’t, it’s a question of style.

When you put on your trousers, or pants, which leg do you put in first? It doesn’t make any difference, but this is basically the same thing. It’s personal preference. Unless of course, you are one of those athletic types that like to just jump into your pants, both legs at the same time.

The difference between space bar and tab coding is simply, what you do to create the indents. While you wouldn’t think that such a basic personal preference would make a difference, apparently those that prefer the space bar are significantly better off!

How much of a difference can there be in these coding methods?

According to the BBC, space bar coding can earn programmers up to £12,000 more when compared to a tab coder, each year!

The survey was conducted over 12,000 developers and it was found conclusive that space bar coding is significantly more profitable.

The result is so surprising that David Robinson, a data scientist at Stack Overflow who conducted the research, has openly invited people to find fault with it.

Jordan Poulton from London makers Academy (who teaches people to code) has said: “Spaces versus tabs is the Pepsi or Coke question for developers. It’s almost impossible to draw an objective conclusion about which is the best,” he said.

When asked about why he thought space bar programming earned more, he didn’t have a conclusive answer. Speculating “wildly” he suggested that it was perhaps that coding with tab, might be a ‘do it and see what breaks’ approach. Whereas space bar coding might be used on more ‘careful’ long-term projects. Those that would seemingly require a greater level of accuracy. Obviously not wanting to offend anyone, he is very firmly sitting on the fence.

I did a little coding in college for my IT qualification but frankly, I found it too confusing. I preferred the hands-on aspect, aka the parts you can kick. Although I do commend programmers, although I’m not so sure about those who design love robots. They might need to get out and take a little fresh air. For those tab coders who are feeling depressed now, here is a little joke to brighten you up. You would be amazed how accurate this joke is too!