This is total linkbait. Neither the startup nor the programmer are named. The split between cash and equity in the mysterious programmer's compensation is not made clear. This entire article could be fabricated and there would be no way whatsoever to prove it.

"This post originally appeared in Business Insider."

well there's your problem right there :)

Not only that but they are comparing the "programmer" to a VP which is not exactly the same.

That's right. Depending on the VP, a programmer is worth more. :-/

It sounds funny, but it is true. Someone who dreams up and implements something like Google Search is worth a lot more than a VP, of which you have twelve in a dozen.

This can't be true.

Hard to say whether this particular example is true, as the other comment points out. But for top-tier engineering talent, that kind of salary isn't unheard of.

I'm certainly still a far shot from it, though...

Why? Someone who programs a real game changer for Google is worth much more than that. It would be a bargain.