Computer Programming Careers, Jobs, and Training Information

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Computer Programming Career and Job Highlights

• In 2002, the majority of employed computer programmers had received a bachelor’s degree. About 20 % had received a master’s degree or doctorate degree.
• Compared to other fields, computer-programming jobs are anticipated to grow at a slower rate in the future.
• The most competitive candidates for employment will have many necessary and related programming skills.

Computer Programming Career Overview

Computer programmers develop the instructions and languages computers use to operate. They also resolve computer problems and logical tests within the system. The roles of programmers and programs have evolved with technical advancements in language and computing. The responsibilities and backgrounds of engineers vary depending on the company or agency.

Essentially, computer programs instruct the computer on how to function. These functions differ according to the information required. The time it takes to write a program ranges between a few hours for simple programs to years for more complex programs. Many programmers collaborate in a team in this process.

Programmers take the designs of software engineers and turn them into functional computer instructions that make up a program. This process includes using technical language codes that vary according to the program’s use. Many different languages are used, including those that are platform-specific for databases, Many programmers know more than a single language and they are identified according to they type of function or language they do know.

Often, programmers will change existing codes and programs. When they do this they place comments into the instructions to make other users aware of the changes. Computer-assisted software engineering (CASE) assist engineers in this process by automatically creating large coded sections. Pre-existing code is also stored in libraries to allow more convenient and productive customizing.

Programmers run programs to test and re-test them for errors. They then correct and “debug” the problems, a process that may span the program’s entire life. Programmers that work within a mainframe system write instructions for a central operator or write manuals for program users.

Programmers are categorized as either applications programmers or systems programmers. Applications programmers develop or modify programs for a specific purpose, such as recording a companies’ inventory. Systems programmers work in a much broader field, developing computer, networking, and operating systems. These types of programmers alter the instructions given to networks and other systems units to enable them to effectively communicate with other hard equipment, including disk drives and terminals. Systems programmers have a fundamental knowledge of whole systems, enabling them to resolve programming problems that applications programmer often face. Presently, the most common form of programming in the computer services industry occurs for the rising popularity of software packages.

Software development programmers often work with other specialists in creating either customized or packaged general-use software. This includes games, financial management, and other programs used for educational purposes.

Some smaller organizations employ programmer-analysts who do both programming and analysis on systems. Both users and programmers alike are finding that new languages and programming resources are becoming much more efficient. Many home PC users are assuming the responsibilities once commonly held by programmers. One example is spreadsheet and packaged financial software that allows personal users to operate programs and complex calculations with relative ease.

In 2002, computer programs accounted for about one-half million jobs. Most industries employ programmers, but the greater number are found in software publishing and systems design service industries. Many telecommunications, manufacturing, management, educational, governmental, and financial firms employ a large amount of programmers as well.

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