Computer programming
Computer programmingCOMPUTER SCIENCE
COMPUTER SCIENTIST/PROGRAMMER
The rapid spread of computers and computer-based technologies over the past two decades has generated a need for skilled, highly trained workers to design and develop hardware and software and to make computer systems newer and more advanced ones. Computer scientist generally design computers and conduct research to improve their design or use, and develop and adapt principles for applying computers to new uses. Computer scientist perform many of the same duties as other computer professionals throughout a normal workday, but their jobs are distinguished by the higher level of expertise and innovation they apply to complex problems and the creation or application of new technology. Computer science includes many other occupations such as computer programmers, computer engineers, data base administrators, computer support analyst and a variety of other specialized workers. Computer programming is one of the main computer professions in the world today.
Computer programmer write, test, and maintain computer programs or software. Programmers are often categorized as technicians because of the work they do. Many programmers are involved in updating, repairing, modifying and expanding existing programs. They are often grouped into two types. These two types are Applications programmers and Systems programmers. Applications programmers usually are oriented towards business, engineering, or science. They write software to handle specific jobs within an organization such as a program used in a place of business were a lot of inventory is being taken. 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 program that determine how the network, workstations, and central processing unit of the system handles the various jobs they have to do and how they communicate with other equipment such as terminals, printers, and disk drives. Because of their knowledge of the entire computer system, systems programmers often help applications programmers determine the source of problems that may occur with program designs. In many organizations, mainly smaller ones computer programmers are referred to as programmer analyst and are responsible for both the systems analysis and the actual programming work.
Programmers in software development companies may work differently than the ones in the much smaller ones, because experts from various fields are there to aid them in their work. Much of this type of programming is in the preparation of packaged software, which is one of the most rapidly growing things in the computer industry.
Programmers generally work in offices in comfortable surroundings. Although the usually work about forty hours a week, they may work longer hours or weekends in order to meet deadlines or to fix program problems that may occur during their off hours. In Current Trends in Computer Programming: Essays and Tutorials, it is stated that "Computer programmer held about 568,000 jobs in 1996. They...
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