If it is related to coding, it should be on Stack Overflow.
If it's related to higher level programming concepts or is conceptual (but still related to programming), it should be on Programmers.
Rule of thumb: if you're sitting in front of your IDE, ask it on Stack Overflow. If you're standing in front of a whiteboard, ask it on Programmers.
From
Introducing Programmers.StackExchange.com:
In a nutshell, Stack Overflow is for when you’re front of your compiler or editor working through code issues. Programmers is for when you’re in front of a whiteboard working through higher level conceptual programming issues.
Stated another way, Stack Overflow questions almost all have actual source code in the questions or answers. It’s much rarer (though certainly OK) for a Programmers question to contain source code.
From the Stack Overflow FAQ:
Stack Overflow is for professional and
enthusiast programmers, people who
write code because they love it. We
feel the best Stack Overflow questions
have a bit of source code in them, but
if your question generally covers …
- a specific programming problem
- a software algorithm
- software tools commonly used by programmers
- matters that are unique to the programming profession
… then you’re in the right place to
ask your question!
From the Programmers FAQ:
Programmers — Stack Exchange is a site for professional programmers who are interested in getting expert answers on conceptual questions about software development. If you have a question about…
- algorithm and data structure concepts
- design patterns
- developer testing
- development methodologies
- freelancing and business concerns
- quality assurance
- software architecture
- software engineering
- software licensing
and it is not about…
- career advice, including general workplace issues
- personal lifestyle, including relationships, office politics, and non-programming activities
- what language you should learn next, including which technology is better
- salary or compensation
- résumé help
- what project you should do next
- programming tools (ask on Stack Overflow instead)
…then you're in the right place to ask your question!
However, pay attention to the next bit of the FAQ, which explicitly lists the types of question that are off-topic. Programmers SE is not a free-for-all.
All subjective questions are expected to be constructive. How do we define that? Constructive subjective questions …
- inspire answers that explain “why” and “how”.
- tend to have long, not short, answers.
- have a constructive, fair, and impartial tone.
- invite sharing experiences over opinions.
- insist that opinion be backed up with facts and references.
- are more than just mindless social fun.
