A programmer, also known as a computer programmer, is widely considered to be the brains behind a computer program. She usually creates detailed instructions that walk a computer through the logical steps required to process data for specific applications. The symbols and largely unidentifiable language that appear on the screen when a typical computer user uses the screen command “view source” are usually the work of a programmer.
Programmers work in almost every industry, including for-profit and non-profit organizations. Hospitals, educational institutions, and government agencies all have them. Programmers are frequently hired by engineering firms, as well as production and manufacturing facilities. Some companies hire programmers full-time, while others hire programmers on a contract basis as needed.
Before beginning a project, a programmer usually consults with the employer to ensure that the proposed program’s goals are clear. The programmer usually creates a flow chart to show how the information should flow through the system in a logical and orderly manner once she fully comprehends the program’s goal. During this stage of the program development, software engineers and systems analysts are frequently consulted.
The programming language that a programmer chooses for her program is largely determined by the application’s nature. HTML, XML, XHTML, and PHP are some of the most common languages used to create Web sites and interactive forms. COBOL is a widely used programming language for administrative, financial, and business system applications.
When a program is finished, it is usually run by a programmer to identify any errors in the context, content, or language. Debugging is a term used to describe the process of ensuring that a program is complete and functional. Depending on the number of errors and the length of the program, debugging can take anywhere from a few days to more than a year. During this stage of programming, a software engineer may be called upon once more for assistance.
Applications programming is the most common area in which programmers work. People who specialize in this type of programming are usually experts in a specific field, such as accounting or science. They are not the same as systems programmers, who modify existing system programming to make old hardware work with new hardware.
A bachelor’s degree in information management, computer science, mathematics, or systems programming is usually the minimum educational requirement for a programmer. Experience with a variety of database systems is typically preferred. Certificates of completion in the most recent programming languages and software are valued by employers.