Programmer

The 21st century has brought in an extraordinary amount of technological progress in our world. In the center of this modern technology are programmers, with the technological skills to create and navigate any new projects that may come their way. The term ‘programmer’ can be used to refer to a software developer, software engineer, computer scientist, or software analyst. Most programmers have a broad computing and coding background across multiple programming languages and platforms, including Structured Query Language (SQL), Perl, Extensible Markup Language (XML), PHP, HTML, C, C++ and Java.

What does a programmer do?

A programmer is an individual that developes mobile applications, coding video games, programming websites, and much more by giving the computer specific programming instructions. These results in the social media platforms, word processing programs, browsers, and more that people use every day. They are responsible for analyzing their clients’ needs.

A programmer also may specialize in one or more computing fields, like database, security or software/firmware/mobile/Web development. These individuals are instrumental to the development of computer technology and the field of computing. They can be involved in any of the components related to system programming, including:

• System conception and design

• System development

• Writing code

• Testing

• Debugging

• Implementation

• Maintenance

• System instructions or programs

It’s the job of programmers to figure out the process of designing, writing, testing, debugging/troubleshooting and maintaining the source code of computer programs. A source code is a text written in a programming language so the computer can understand it. The code can be a qualification of an existing source or something new. The process of writing source code often requires expertise in many different subjects, including knowledge of the application domain, specialized algorithms, and formal logic.

Programmers also designs a graphical user interface (GUI) so that non-technical users can use the software through easy, point-and-click menu options. The GUI acts as a translator between the and the software code. Some, especially those working on large projects that involve many computer programmers, use computer-assisted software engineering (CASE) tools to automate much of the coding process. A programmer working on smaller projects often use applications that increase productivity by combining compiling, code walk-through, code generation, test data generation, and debugging functions. After an application or program is working smoothly and deployed, they update and extend the functionality of existing software.

They also use libraries of basic code that can be modified or customized for a specific application. This approach produces more reliable and consistent programs and increases programmers’ productivity by eliminating some routine steps.

They are also be responsible for maintaining the program’s health. As software design has continued to advance, and some programming functions have become automated, programmers have begun to assume some of the responsibilities that were performed only by software engineers. As a result, some are now working with software engineers in identifying user needs and designing certain parts of computer programs, as well as other functions. Programmers will also direct their expertise to ensure the software is developed in accordance to industry standards and best practices in performance, reliability, and security.

The purpose of programming is to create a program that produces a certain desired behaviour. In general, good programming is considered to be the measured application of art, craft, and also an engineering discipline with the goal of producing an efficient software solution. We rely on so many devices, from our smartphones and laptops, to our satellite navigation systems and fitness trackers. Programmers are the unsung heroes who make sure our mobile, portable and wearable technology works smoothly and reliably.

https://www.techopedia.com/definition/4813/programmer