By U Urbano
Computer programmers are responsible for writing the detailed instructions that cause a computer to perform a specific task. The usually-complex set of instructions, known as a software program, can be written in any of several languages understandable to the computer. Programmers usually work closely with computer software engineers and systems analysts, who design how the software program will work in a high-level sense. The programmer will then take their high-level software design and translate it into a workable set of specific computer code that the computer can follow. Programmers not only write programs but often also update, modify, and expand existing programs. Most programmers know more than one programming language and typically are able to learn new languages relatively easily.
The two general categories of computer programmer are applications programmers and systems programmers. Applications programmers write programs which perform a specific task, whereas systems programmers write programs which control how a computer handles the various jobs it needs to do and how it communicates with peripheral equipment such as terminals, printers, and disk drives.
Education, Certification, Licensing
Although some programmers hold only an associate's degree, most of them have a bachelor's degree in computer science, mathematics, or a related field. For some jobs, a graduate degree is required. To an increasing extent, the level of education and training required by employers for this occupational field is rising and expected to further increase. Certain types of employer may require specialized expertise; for example, employers who use computers for business applications typically prefer to hire graduates who have had college courses in management information systems and/or business. Due to the rapid advancement of technology, programmers must continuously keep their knowledge and skills current and can expect to regularly need to take courses sponsored by their employer and offered by software vendors or local colleges and universities.
Certification is a good way to demonstrate proficiency and often gives the job candidate a competitive advantage. There is a wide variety of certification available in the programming field. Some certifications are specific to certain programming languages. Others are associated with certain vendors or software firms who may require professionals who work with their products to carry their specialized certifications. Other varieties of certification are also available through various organizations.
This article by U Urbano on programming schools and jobs has been provided courtesy of City Town Info.
