1 Most programmers know how to hack
"I'm in" intensifies
This is a generalizing statement among people who tend to be unfamiliar with the tech field. Technically it takes a bit of coding in order to hack something, but most coders are not hackers. There is a slight difference between these. A hacker usually has a strong grasp at networking and social engineering - one who exploits vulnerabilities and penetrate through systems, though most coders in general do not have those perks, and have no interest on exploiting programs or penetrating security holes. So the answer? Some of them, but "most"? Definitely not. Only the most elite programmers know how to do this.
2 If you program, then you are smart
You don't have to be a genius in order to code. Anyone can get into programming, though learning a coding language is constant so no matter how fluent you are, you still have to keep that steady momentum. All it all, it depends on your motivation and the patience to learn in that subject. Keep in mind that it is impossible to learn all about the things of programming - as technology is continuously shifting as old programming languages are left out on the dark and new programming languages start to emerge. Most of the things they make you code in College you can find something on the internet to copy paste and modify so it applies to your code or goal.
I have generally gotten into coding, and I'd say I am definitely a smart person, but obviously this is a misconception.
3 Programmers can code in any language
This is something that not many people know - which is probably why some people tend to hold abnormally high expectations on programmers. Just like the languages we speak in the world, programming has its own diverse set of languages. Though some programming languages like C# or C++ seem similar to each other, they are slightly different though they can be quickly learned depending on the motivation of the programmer. It's not like a programmer can master Java or CSS within a day (though note that learning a programming language can make it slightly easier to get immersed to another language) Most programming languages are similar, but each have their own differences. Once you've learned say C++, you won't be able to code straight away in C#.
4 Programmers can fix all kinds of computer problems
Though programmers usually tend to have basic knowledge on solving other computer-related trivial problems and troubleshooting aside from code, people who lack exposure to the technology department tend to hold high expectations on programmers - asking questions such as "Oh hey, can you fix the dead pixels on my laptop screen?" or other unrelated questions, as some programmers aren't familiar on troubleshooting hardware problems than software problems. Not many people realize that computing can be a broad topic. If it's a hardware issue then no. I hear informational technology people would be able to do it, but even then, it's a pain for them too.
Just because someone is a programmer doesn't mean he or she can fix all of your problems. They search on Google like everyone else.
5 A programmer must be young in order to code
It is good advice to start fresh and young to immerse yourself in a constant hobby such as programming, as you are more likely to get opportunities later in the future. However, your age doesn't determine whether you should immerse in that field or not. Your mind may be sluggish compared to others, but the most important thing is that you are never too young nor too old to start programming.
6 You must be good at math in order to program
Generally it doesn't take some advanced calculus to solve errors in code. Although math and coding have some similarities - such as problem solving. All you need a good grasp at basic algebra and general math knowledge and you are all set. Note that this depends on the language you are programming and/or what kind of project you are planning to make. They make you go through advanced calculus in order to even get into the starting classes which is dumb because the only really new thing they make you do in math is the modulo thing. Or binary, but that's not really important.
7 Programming is about fast typing
This mentality seems to be common among people who are exposed to programming-based movies. Simply the answer is no because programming involves a hefty amount of thinking, instead of aimlessly typing garbled code in order for the program to somehow magically work. It's the opposite really. The only thing that is important really is that you know how to type properly on a keyboard.
8 You need a computing degree or get into a university in order to be a programmer
Today, programming is easily accessible if you have a laptop or other devices. There are many websites, books, and online resources to get immersed in the programming world, and even young kids can immerse themselves into programming anytime. Nowadays it is possible can get occupied with a job even without a degree; you don't need a piece of paper in order to get a job, but it is your determination that is a factor of getting that job (though some may disagree). Degrees really are meaningless nowadays unless you want status or something. Too many tutorials exist online that show you what to do for free and there's guaranteed to be one person asking a question on stackoverflow that will be answered.
There are plenty of tutorials out there for you to learn coding on your own, but if you want to get a job, you have to at least go to College.
9 Women cannot program / women programmers do not exist
Most people tend to jump in this conclusion since many male programmers tend to be more dominant and more superior than female programmers. Mindblowing fact: the first programmer in history was actually a female named Ada Lovelace - a mathematican who wrote a coding algorithm on paper before a computer was built. You may not believe it, but males and female programmers have their fair shares on their contributions on the field. There are women in this field, but most who are interested by computer science are usually men. In my College, there we're around 4 girls in the entire program.
10 Programmers wear glasses
Well, you ever wondered why many programmers wear glasses? Because they cannot C#
The Contenders
11 Programmers are bad at socializing or are anti-social
This is not only a misconception but this is often stereotyped. The short answer? Extroverted programmers exist, though they seem to be overshadowed with the more quiet ones. Collaborating with other coders is mandatory when it comes to projects. Most I've seen in my class had no problems with chatting or asking questions or anything like that, but I'd say most are calm in nature.
12 Programmers are virgins
13 Programmers are nerds