Top 10 Documentaries on Programming

Description: Although a dramatization, this film gives insight into the programming and entrepreneurial spirit behind the creation of Facebook, highlighting the coding culture of Silicon Valley.

Fact: The film was based on the book "The Accidental Billionaires" by Ben Mezrich.

Description: This documentary recounts the rise of Compaq, a company that challenged IBM in the personal computer market, showcasing the programming and business acumen required to succeed in tech.

Fact: The film includes interviews with the founders of Compaq, providing a personal perspective on their journey.

Description: An early look into the world of hackers, this documentary explores the culture and ethics of hacking, providing context to the programming community's relationship with security and ethics.

Fact: The film was one of the first to portray hackers in a somewhat positive light, focusing on their curiosity and innovation.

Description: Focusing on the battle between hackers and the government, this documentary explores the ethical dilemmas and the programming skills involved in cyber warfare and activism.

Fact: The film features prominent hacktivists like Andrew "Weev" Auernheimer and Jeremy Hammond.

Description: This documentary traces the history of the free software movement, focusing on key figures like Richard Stallman and the GNU Project. It's a comprehensive look at the ideological battle between open-source and proprietary software.

Fact: The film includes interviews with Stallman, Torvalds, and other influential figures in the open-source community.

Description: While not exclusively about programming, this film tells the story of Aaron Swartz, a prodigious programmer and internet activist, highlighting his contributions to software development and his tragic end.

Fact: The documentary was released under a Creative Commons license, reflecting Swartz's advocacy for open access.

Description: This documentary captures the intense atmosphere at Netscape during the development of Mozilla, offering a glimpse into the early days of the open-source movement. It's a must-watch for understanding the dynamics of software development under pressure.

Fact: The film was shot over a period of 18 months, providing an in-depth look at the company's culture and the developers' lives.

Description: Focused on the development of the Linux operating system, this documentary explores the philosophy and community behind open-source software. It's an inspiring tale of collaboration and innovation in the tech world.

Fact: The film features interviews with key figures like Linus Torvalds, the creator of Linux.

Description: This documentary tells the story of Alan Turing, whose work in computer science and cryptography during WWII laid the groundwork for modern computing. It's a poignant look at the man behind the machine.

Fact: The film includes dramatized scenes alongside archival footage to bring Turing's story to life.

Description: This documentary dives into the world of hacking from the 1970s to the early 2000s, showing how hackers have influenced the development of software security and programming practices.

Fact: It features interviews with some of the most notorious hackers of the time, providing firsthand accounts of their exploits.