WHAT IS A COMPUTER PROGRAMMER TO DO?

Why would someone want to be a computer programmer?  What tasks do you do that employers pay for?  

Start with this:

Computer programmers typically do the following:

Write programs in a variety of computer languages, such as C++ and Java.

        Update and expand existing programs.

        Debug programs by testing for and fixing errors.

       Build and use computer-assisted software engineering (CASE) tools to automate the writing of some code.

        Use code libraries, which are collections of independent lines of code, to simplify the writing.

Programmers work closely with software developers, and in some businesses, their duties overlap. When this happens, programmers can do work that is typical of developers, such as designing the program. This entails initially planning the software, creating models and flowcharts detailing how the code is to be written, writing and debugging code, and designing an application or systems interface.

Some programs are relatively simple and usually take a few days to write, such as creating mobile applications for cell phones. Other programs, like computer operating systems, are more complex and can take a year or more to complete.

Software-as-a-service (SaaS), which consists of applications provided through the Internet, is a growing field. Although programmers typically need to rewrite their programs to work on different systems platforms such as Windows or OS X, applications created using SaaS work on all platforms. That is why programmers writing for software-as-a-service applications may not have to update as much code as other programmers and can instead spend more time writing new programs.  

This may even be better, meaning more specific. 

Computer Programmers write code through the use of computer languages, such as C++ and Java. Computer programmers create instructions for computers to generate meaningful output.

Overall, it is the responsibility of the computer programmer to write code and manipulate it into a language that the computer can understand and follow. 

They work closely with IT staff, managers, and end users in their organization or client organizations to develop, maintain, and test computer programs. Computer programmers respond to notifications by users of flaws in programs, identify malfunctioning code and rewrite programs.

Computer Programmers are commonly employed by software companies. However, with the surge in access to computer programmers, many governmental and private sector companies, such as banks and law firms, have begun to employ computer programmers. It is not uncommon to see computer programmers working as freelancers, moving from project to project within technology consulting firms or as independent contractors. 

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