Who is computer programmer

Focusing on an easier programming language helps new learners master core programming skills. Tech professionals use different languages depending on their goals and focus areas.

In , Monali Mirel Chuatico graduated with her bachelor's in computer science, which gave her the foundation that she needed to excel in roles such as a data engineer, front-end developer, UX designer, and computer science instructor. Monali is currently a data engineer at Mission Lane. As a data analytics captain at a nonprofit called COOP Careers, Monali helps new grads and young professionals overcome underemployment by teaching them data analytics tools and mentoring them on their professional development journey.

Monali is passionate about implementing creative solutions, building community, advocating for mental health, empowering women, and educating youth. Getting military veterans jobs in IT and cybersecurity. Best online doctoral degrees in computer science. Free online tech courses with certificates. Certificate in computer science: What you need to know. Best online master's in data analytics Top picks.

Best online software engineering degrees Top picks. Best online certificate programs in web development Top picks. You agree to receive updates, promotions, and alerts from ZDNet. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to receive the selected newsletter s which you may unsubscribe from at any time.

BLS notes that certifications exist for specific programming languages and that some employers may require programmers to become certified in the products the company uses. George noted that students learn computer programming and build software in online labs that provide independent work opportunities along with team collaboration. If you're ready to take the first step toward becoming a computer programmer, find your degree here. Follow him on Twitter JoeCo With a computer science degree, you can embark on a career with dozens of potential job roles suited to your interests.

You can use the knowledge you develop earning your degree to work in technology, manufacturing and more. The field of cyber security is about leveraging top-notch problem-solving skills with technical aptitude to keep people and data safe. Despite being relatively new, the field of cyber security is here to stay. There are dozens and dozens of types of engineering, but when it comes down to the basics, engineering is about using specialized bases of knowledge to solve a problem.

What is Computer Programming and How to Become a Computer Programmer Computer programming is the process that professionals use to write code that instructs how a computer, application or software program performs.

By: Justin Stoltzfus Contributor, Reviewer. By: Satish Balakrishnan. Dictionary Dictionary Term of the Day. Natural Language Processing. Techopedia Terms. Connect with us. Sign up. Term of the Day. Best of Techopedia weekly. News and Special Offers occasional. Without natural curiosity, you will develop tunnel vision and always approach coding problems from the same angle. Ultimately, this methodology reduces programming to a rote activity that is uninspiring and unrewarding.

Am I self-motivated? Your motivation to write code has to come from within. You have to understand and be able to appreciate that the fundamentally repetitive task of programming is, perhaps enigmatically, the path to a creative program.

Do I love logic problems? Much of the reward in programming comes from fixing bugs. If you are naturally inquisitive about the inner workings of things; if you have an innate desire to repair that which is broken and find satisfaction in doing so, you probably possess one of the traits common in programmers.

Am I okay with sitting for long periods? The nature of programming requires that programmers sit in front of a computer for extended lengths of time. All workers who are subject to this computer-related physical inactivity need to find ways to deal with inevitable unwanted distractions, cabin fever, and lapses in productivity. Perhaps most importantly, they have to pay attention to potential health issues that can arise from the sedentary aspect of the occupation.

Am I okay with working irregular hours? Software development is a deadline-centric industry which does not always adhere to traditional nine-to-five workdays.

This is equally true for programmers who work for themselves as for those who work for someone else. Another aspect of the occupation that prospective programmers do not typically consider is its pervasiveness. They find themselves working through solutions even when they are not physically on the job. Simply put, computer programming can make compartmentalization very difficult. Do I expect to get rich quickly? Programmers who get rich quickly are the exception to the rule.

While it is certainly possible to make a lot of money as a programmer, overnight success stories are rare and generally create unrealistic expectations. If your answers to the questions above continue to point you toward a potential career in computer programming, now ask yourself if you have the traits and characteristics that programmers typically have:.

Detail-oriented In writing and debugging code, one misplaced character can cause a program to malfunction. Critical thinker Just as in the English language there are different ways to say the same thing, in programming there are various ways to approach a problem and achieve the same end result.

Some ways are more efficient and elegant than others. Focus and patience Writing line after line of code for long periods of time or conducting multiple tests to evaluate the quality and performance of a program demands concentration and perseverance.

Aspiring computer programmers should be encouraged by the fact that they can easily combine their interest in computer technology with affinity for another field. Moving a product or service to market is powered by software. Therefore, almost every industry needs programmers. Opportunities exist in transportation, hospitality, finance, insurance, education, consumer electronics, sports, entertainment, all levels of government, the non-profit sector, and many other areas.

This wide spectrum of opportunity in the field suggests that the most successful programmers know how to communicate and collaborate.

Because the world is increasingly complex and connected, programmers who can work in a lot of different contexts are better equipped to bring visions to life. This very marketable quality can only be developed with a dedication to lifelong learning. What is a Computer Programmer?

What does a Computer Programmer do?