Nature of the Work:
Computer programmers change project stipulations and declarations of snags and procedures to thorough commonsensical flow charts for coding into computer language. They also develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.
A researcher, with a few keystrokes accesses hundreds of related references on a specific topic; a corporate executive receives mail without opening an envelope; a patient's kidney dialysis machine monitors his progress and adjusts accordingly; a security guard is alerted to a break-in and tracks the intruder's path. Computer technology, which makes these things possible, has reached every aspect of our lives, and new applications are constantly being developed.
Computers can process the vast quantities of information they need for a specific task only if they are correctly instructed. Computer programmers write the detailed instructions (called programs or software) that list in a logical order the steps the machine must follow.
In traditional settings - typically large corporations and government agencies, programmers work from descriptions prepared by systems analysts who have carefully studied the task that the computer system is going to perform. These descriptions list the input required, the steps the computer must follow, and the desired arrangement of the output. Some organizations, particularly smaller ones, do not employ systems analysts. Instead, workers called programmer-analysts are responsible for both systems analysis and programming.
Programmers in software houses (companies that specialize in writing computer programs) often work without the contribution of systems analysts. Instead, they may work directly with experts from various fields to develop new software graphics, computer-aided design, animation, and educational instruction, for example. They also may work alone to revise existing packaged software.
Regardless of setting, programmers write specific programs by breaking down each step into a logical series of instructions the computer can follow. Programmers developing instructions for making airline reservations, for example, would first take the appropriate company records and then specify a solution by snowing the steps the computer must follow to obtain current flight schedules and availability status, check time constraints on connecting flights, add new reservations, secure seat locations, and bill the customer.
Programmers then code the instructions the computer will execute in a programming language. They also insert comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program. Programmers using computer-aided software engineering can concentrate on writing the unique parts of the program because the computer automates some of the more basic processes. This also yields more reliable and consistent programs and increases programmers' productivity by eliminating some of the routine steps.
Next, programmers test the operation of the program to be sure the instructions are correct and will produce the desired information. Programmers prepare sample data that will test every part of the program and, after the program has been run, review the results to see if any errors were made. If errors did occur, the program must be changed and rechecked until it produces the correct results. This is called debugging the program.
Finally, programmers prepare an instruction sheet for the computer operator who will run the program. They may also assist in writing a user's manual for a software package.
Programs vary with the type of information to be accessed or generated. For example, the data involved in updating school records are different from those required to simulate a flight on a pilot trainee's monitor. Although simple programs can be written in a few hours, programs that use complex mathematical formulas or many data files may require more than a year of work. In some cases, several programmers may work together as a team under a senior programmer's supervision.
Programmers often are grouped into two broad types: Applications programmers and systems programmers. Applications programmers usually are oriented toward business, engineering, or science. They write software to handle specific jobs, such as a program used in an inventory control system or one to guide a missile after it has been fired. Systems programmers, on the other hand, maintain the software that controls the operation of the entire computer system. These workers make changes in the sets of instructions that determine how the central processing unit of the computer handles the various jobs it has been given and communicates with peripheral equipment, such as terminals, printers, and disk drives. Owing to their knowledge of entire computer systems, systems programmers often help applications programmers determine the source of problems that may occur with their programs.
Working Conditions:
Programmers work in offices in comfortable surroundings. They usually work about 40 hours a week, but their hours are not always from 9 to 5. Programmers may report early or work late to use the computer when it is available; occasionally, they work longer hours in order to meet deadlines.
Employment:
Computer programmers were mostly employed by data processing service organizations, including firms that write and sell software; other business services; manufacturers of office, computing, and accounting machines; machinery and equipment wholesalers; banks; and educational institutions.
Applications programmers work for all types of firms that use computer systems. Systems programmers, on the other hand, usually work for organizations with large computer centers and for firms that manufacture computers or develop software.
A small but growing number of programmers are employed on a temporary basis. A manufacturer automating the factory floor with robotics and artificial intelligence, for example, may need the services of several extra programmers to write and debug the software necessary to get the factory running.
Once the software is functioning, however, their services are no longer needed. Rather than hiring these programmers as permanent employees and then laying them off after the job is done, employers increasingly are contracting with temporary help agencies or directly with programmers themselves. Such temporary jobs usually last several months at least, and some last a year or longer.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement:
There are no universal training requirements for programmers because employers' needs vary. Computer programming is taught at public and private vocational schools, community and junior colleges, and universities. High schools in many parts of the country also offer introductory courses in data processing. Many programmers are college graduates; others have taken special courses in computer programming to supplement their experience in fields such as accounting, inventory control, or other business areas.
The level of education and quality of training that employers seek has generally been rising due to the growth in the number of qualified applicants and the increasing complexity of some programming tasks. To start as an applications programmer, an experienced person may not need a college degree, but it is usually required to start in a systems programming position.
Employers using computers for scientific or engineering applications prefer college graduates who have degrees in computer or information science, mathematics, engineering, or the physical sciences. Graduate degrees are required for some jobs.
Employers prefer to hire people who have had college courses in programming and business; however, a bachelor's degree is not required by all employers. Also, experience in accounting, inventory control, and other business skills generally are preferred by employers. Some employers promote workers such as computer operators who have taken courses in programming to programmer jobs because of their work experience.
An indication of experience and professional competence at the senior programmer level is the Certificate in Computer Programming. This designation is conferred by the Institute for Certification of Computer Professionals upon candidates who have passed a core examination plus exams in 2 specialty areas. College graduates with little or no experience may be tested for certification as an assistant
When hiring programmers, employers look for people who can think logically and who are capable of exacting analytical work. The ability to work with abstract concepts and do technical analysis is especially important for systems programmers because they work with the software that controls the computer's operation. The job calls for patience, persistence, and the ability to work with extreme accuracy even under pressure. Ingenuity and imagination are particularly important when programmers work in areas like computer-aided design where creativity is the key.
Beginning programmers may spend their first weeks on the job attending training classes. After this initial instruction, they may work alone on simple assignments or on a team with more experienced programmers. Either way, they generally must spend at least several months working under close supervision. Owing to rapidly changing technology, programmers must continue their training by taking courses offered by their employer or software vendors.
For skilled workers, the prospects for advancement are good. In large organizations, they may be promoted to lead programmers and be given supervisory responsibilities. Some applications programmers become systems programmers after they gain experience and take courses in systems software. Both applications programmers and systems programmers may become lead programmers or systems analysts or be promoted to a related managerial position.
Job Outlook:
Employment of programmers is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through as computer usage as pervaded every aspect of living. Although the proportion of programmers leaving the occupation each year is smaller than in most occupations, most of the job openings for programmers will result from replacement needs. Most of the programmers who leave the occupation transfer to other occupations, such as manager or systems analyst.
The need for programmers will increase as businesses, government, schools, and scientific organizations seek new applications for computers and improvements to the software already in use. Advances in health and medicine, and continuing scientific research will drive the growth of programmer employment.
More and more programmers will be creating and maintaining expert systems as well as using the new generation of programming tools. Although opportunities will exist throughout the economy, jobs for both systems and applications programmers should be particularly plentiful in data processing service firms, software houses, and computer consulting businesses.
Employment however, is not expected to grow as rapidly as in the past as improved software and programming techniques simplify or eliminate some programming tasks. The greater use of packaged software that can meet the needs of many users also may moderate the growth in demand for applications programmers.
The rapid growth of employment opportunities in this occupation has led to a substantial increase in the number of courses in programming being offered by postsecondary schools, junior colleges, and 4-year colleges and, consequently, in the number of trained people seeking jobs. As the number and quality of applicants have increased, employers have become more selective.
Competition has increased for entry level positions, affecting even applicants with a bachelor's degree. Graduates of 2-year programs in data processing and people with less than a 2-year degree or its equivalent in work experience are facing especially strong competition. SInce shorter curriculums generally are not as thorough and offer limited training in applied fields, graduates of these programs are expected to have even more difficulty finding jobs than in the recent past.
Job prospects should be good for college graduates who are familiar with a variety of programming languages, particularly newer languages that apply to computer networking, data base management and artificial intelligence. Applicants who know both programming and operating languages, especially if the languages are closely related, have significantly better chances of landing the job of their choice.
Employers are looking for ways to cut costs, and minimizing in-house training is one way to do that. As a result many employers prefer to hire applicants with previous experience in the field. Therefore, people who want to become programmers can enhance their chances by combining work experience with the appropriate formal training. Students have various options. One is to hold a summer or part-time job in a data processing department. Participating in a college work-study program or undertaking an internship are other ways to gain experience. Students can also improve their employment prospects by taking courses such as accounting, management, engineering, or science allied fields in which applications programmers are in demand.
Related Occupations:
Other workers in mathematics, business, and science who solve detailed problems include systems analysts, mathematical statisticians, engineers, financial analysts, actuaries, mathematical technicians, and operations research analysts.
