Computer programmers are the people who write the code that tells a computer
how to act. They create computer programs or software packages by coding instructions
into machine-readable form.
In order for the computer to understand these instructions, programmers
use special computer languages to teach the computer how to respond to users,
as well as to other stimuli. A few of the languages used include Visual Basic,
C++ and Java.
Programmers might test, debug and implement computer programs or software
packages. They could also act as a resource for users by answering questions.
They might even maintain existing computer programs by making minor changes
as required.
Programmers may also be responsible for systems analysis. This means working
with particular industries, companies or individuals to identify their computer
program needs. Most programming positions now demand systems analyst skills.
Programmers often are grouped into two broad types: applications programmers
and systems programmers. Applications programmers are usually oriented toward
business, engineering or science. They write software to handle specific jobs
within an organization, such as a program used in an inventory control system.
They may also work alone to revise existing packaged software.
Systems programmers, on the other hand, maintain and control the use of
computer systems software. These workers make changes in the sets of instructions
that determine how the network, computer stations and central processing unit
of the system handles the various jobs they have been given and how they communicate
with the terminals, printers and disk drives.
Most of a computer programmer's time is spent in an office or computer
lab, although they do have to spend some time on location at various companies
or businesses doing systems analysis.
A growing number of computer programmers are employed on a temporary or
contract basis or work as independent consultants. This practice allows companies
to bring in people with a specific set of skills, usually in one of the latest
technologies, as it applies to their business needs. Such jobs may last anywhere
from several weeks to a year or longer.
People in this field usually work a 40-hour, 9-to-5 week, with some overtime
during busy periods. There's little or no strenuous physical labor involved
in computer programming.
Nearly all industries require the expertise of a computer programmer these
days. Computer software and consulting companies, government agencies, electronics
companies, hospitals, universities, banks and law enforcement agencies are
just some of the possibilities.
Jan Gillanders, a New York programmer, also says there's no time like the
present to start preparing for a career in computer programming. "You can
learn about programming on your own. Work on computers, get comfortable with
them and then get yourself a book on programming. Lots of the really big programming
hotshots learned about programming on their own."