What Does A Computer Programmer Do?

Computers now run and control almost every part of society, with more and more high-tech devices appearing. And programmers are fully responsible for how they work. As computer programming has become increasingly crucial, its related job is in high demand and receives significant pay. But what does a computer programmer do, exactly?

This article will answer that question. Here, we’ll talk about possible jobs, how much they pay, which programming languages or techs they require, and why a degree in computer science might be a good first step.

What Is Computer Programming?

Computer programmers, in the most basic sense, are the people who are in charge of writing, modifying, and testing code that enables computer programs to run well. These programs let you use a computer to do certain tasks. For example, you may leverage Microsoft Word to write and edit documents, while Google Chrome allows you to browse websites and access global knowledge.

Programming in computers is an important part of today’s technology. This is because it lets everyone, from coders to CEOs, get the software they need to do their jobs better. Computers have a big effect on our lives in many ways, from sending emails to coworkers to using spreadsheets to keep track of our money. Computer programmers come in at this point.

Is It A Trending Field?

Employment of computer programmers dropped by 20% from 2018 to 2022. Unfortunately, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicted that this figure continues to decrease by 11% between 2022 and 2032. This decline is equivalent to a 16,600 job loss.

However, it doesn’t necessarily mean computer programming is no longer trendy. The proof here is the software market will expand at a CAGR of 5.01% during the forecast period 2024-2029, with a projected revenue of $898.90 billion at the end of the period. So, why has the number of computer programming positions declined over time? Here’s why:

• Offshoring & Outsourcing: Various companies outsource programming jobs to countries where labor is cheaper while there’s a wider talent pool. This gives them more time to focus on their core business activities while creating exceptional, bespoke software programs at an affordable cost.

• Automation: Advances in software development tools and automation tech can reduce the need for manual coding. Particularly, various companies can use techs like AI to automate repetitive tasks, like code formatting. On one side, automation of this routine work saves time and enables computer programs to focus on other complex tasks (e.g., strategic planning activities)

• Shift in Job Roles: The job title “computer programmer” can be decreasing. Yet various programming tasks are now transferred into other roles like software developers or computer systems analysts. Further, there’s a growing trend towards specialized roles that demand programming skills, like AI specialists or cybersecurity experts.

Recommended reading: How to Become a Coder in This Century?

What Does A Computer Programmer Do?

Computer programmers should try to figure out what their customers want. They then plan and build the software by using programming languages like Python, C++, and Java that computers can understand. They also work with other designers and programmers to plan each part of an application or piece of software. This will happen before figuring out how those parts will work together.

Afterward, they will test it to ensure it works correctly and meets the requirements laid out. In particular, they will use debugging to fix any mistakes or problems that may have happened with the app. They also make sure the software meets industry standards and best practices for performance, dependability, and security.

Maintaining, changing, or fixing already-made programs, as well as writing user guides are also parts of their responsibilities.

To better understand their key duties, we’ll delve into it more specifically.

Responsibilities

Here are the top five key responsibilities programmers take:

Making code for new computer programs and testing it

When writing code for new mobile apps or computer programs, computer programmers work closely with web developers and software engineers. In some situations, programmers may build the look, feel, and functionality of a new software application. Most of the time, making new code requires a lot of trial and error. Computer programmers are good at analyzing and solving problems. They also enjoy using logic to figure out how to solve difficult problems.

Adding new features to the software that is already in use

Also, programmers are in charge of making new versions of software that have already been released and installing them. Fixing bugs and adding new features are two examples of how an update could make the user experience better. Depending on how complicated the project is, it could take anywhere from a few days to several months to finish.

Finding and fixing mistakes in the code

As part of their regular jobs, computer programmers may help figure out errors in a website or computer program. Most problems result from mistakes in the code, and a programmer can help find and fix the mistake quickly.

Applying changes to make it work with a wide range of operating systems

Programmers often have to rewrite code in a lot of different languages so that it works with a wide range of operating systems. This is necessary so that software can run on more than one platform. For example, apps for Windows are written differently than apps for OS X. Some programmers also work on how to make new apps with code that can run across operating systems.

Protecting computer programs from cyber threats

A large number of computer programmers work in the field of cybersecurity. These programmers help find malicious software and fix software that could be broken into. Also, they can write code that keeps data from getting out or security from being broken.

The number and severity of cyberattacks are likely to make more people want to learn about information security. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says that between 2022 and 2032, the number of jobs for information security analysts is expected to grow by 32%, creating 53,200 new positions.

Recommended reading: Top 5 Trending Software Jobs Right Now

Important Facts

Beyond responsibilities, you should know other crucial facts about this job:

Accreditation of Professional Practice

Certifications for programmers can be specific to a vendor, like Microsoft or Oracle, or to a programming language.

Important Skills

Focus, intelligence, attention to detail, and a willingness to solve problems are all important.

Work Environment

Depending on the size of the project, a programmer can choose to work alone or with other people. There is a chance that remote jobs are available.

Similar Jobs

When reading through the key duties of computer programmers above, you may realize their tasks are a combination of information security analysis, computer hardware engineering, database administration, web development, etc. Therefore, with a fundamental understanding of computer programming, you may equip yourself with specialized skills and transfer to a specialized career. We’ll detail this in the final section.

Computer Programming Jobs

Because computer programming is such a broad field, there are many ways to make a good living. Programmers often work in many different fields, like making mobile apps, websites, and more. If you want to start a career in computer programming, you can go in a number of different directions.

Many companies require you to possess a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a similar field. You could also get an associate degree and work experience to strengthen your profile. In case you don’t have a relevant bachelor’s degree, you may staff off this career path by acquiring essential qualifications from edX or Coursera and applying for internships or entry-level jobs at local businesses. This will help you ease into the job.

No matter what path you take, it’s important to remember that there’s always room for improvement. If you want to work in a field that will continue to grow as new technologies come out, you should look into the field of computer programming. It usually pays more than the national average for all jobs ($99,700/year).

Here are some specialized computer programming jobs you may take:

Mobile App Developer

Mobile app developers create mobile apps. Since the smartphone came out, the market for mobile apps has grown by leaps and bounds. Especially with the spread of cheap cell phones, people can now connect to the internet in ways that were previously unimaginable. Accordingly, the demand for mobile app developers has soared. As a mobile app developer, you may focus on your work on just one platform or both (Android and iOS).

Each requires your understanding of different programming languages. For example, if you want to make iPhone apps, you need to be fluent in either Swift or Objective-C.

Beyond these main programming languages, we here at Designveloper also need to master other languages (like JavaScript or Dart), development tools (like Xcode or VSCode), libraries & frameworks (like UIKit or Core Data), library management tools (like CocoaPods or Carthage), and automation & deployment tools (like Fastlane or Jenkins).

FURTHER READING:

1. What Is Pair Programming? Types, Pros and Cons

2. The 5 Software Development Rules That Unwritten for Beginners

3. Web Developer Salaries in Vietnam 2022

Web Developer

You may use your computer programming skills in making websites. In particular, you’re in charge of how websites look and how they work for people who visit them. This means keeping up with the design and technical aspects of the website, such as its speed and ability to handle a certain amount of traffic.

There are three types of web developers: front-end, back-end, and full-stack.

• Front-end developers often use markup languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to bring a website to life.

• Back-end developers care more about making sure that all the parts work together as a whole behind the scenes. Most of the time, PHP, Ruby, or Python are the best languages to use when making apps that link a website’s back end to its front end.

• Full-stack developers must be excellent at both front-end and back-end. For example, a senior full-stack developers at Designveloper need to excel at HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, its libraries & frameworks (Node.js, React, and Meteor), DevOps, CICD with Github and AWS, etc.

Video Game Developer

Developers can make games on different platforms, such as the web, mobile phones, and desktop computers. A single video game can have tens of gigabytes of data, millions of lines of code, and very complicated logic. Animating 2D and 3D characters, building character models, and coding game logic are the main things you need to do if choosing this job.

Database Administrator

As a database administrator, you take responsibility for making, managing, and keeping an eye on the databases of your organization. You accordingly must be good at computer programming and know a lot about operating systems to make working software that meets user needs.

As part of a team, you usually work with other database experts who are adept in different areas or projects. You also need to talk directly with senior management regularly to ensure the company’s technology works well.

In the data field, we also have a couple more roles that you can consider.

Data Analyst

The job of data analysts is to make sense of the huge amounts of data that businesses produce. They use programming languages like Python and R to look for patterns and trends that could be important for the future of the company. Then, they put together reports for internal use or for clients that explain these patterns and trends in a way that decision-makers can understand. This could include making graphs, charts, and other ways of showing data.

Data Scientist

Both a data analyst and a data scientist work with information from different places. On the other hand, a data scientist uses machine learning to look at company data in order to find useful insights. In the last few years, machine learning has made more progress than ever before. Data scientists are in charge of making machine learning models that can make predictions based on past data to help companies make better decisions.

Recommended reading: How to Become a Full Stack Developer? Does It Suit You?

Computing A Future As A Computer Programmer

As we already mentioned, you may embark on this computer programming path in different ways. But we still advise you to take a bachelor’s degree as it’s typically the bare minimum education level to work in this profession. In some cases, an associate’s degree may suffice; nevertheless, acquiring a bachelor’s degree will considerably boost your chances of finding meaningful employment. 

If you want to be successful in this role, you should consider majoring in either computer science or mathematics. Getting some computer programming training will be essential. Applicants with no prior professional experience may be denied. Therefore, you must demonstrate to potential employers that you have the skills essential for the position.

There has never been a better time to pursue your dream of becoming a computer programmer than today, because you will be able to be both creative and analytical in your work, you will be able to work in a variety of industries, and the job market is flourishing. 

Conclusion

Keep in mind that the computer programming industry is just around sixty years old; hence, the duties of computer programmers are subject to constant change. It’s, therefore, necessary to have an insatiable desire for information and curiosity.

No matter what kind of computer programming job you want, Designveloper has a lot of information that will teach you everything you need to know to be a professional programmer. This article is a good starting point for anyone who’s interested. Subscribe to our blog and receive other best info!