Computer Programmer

Overview and Key Facts

What Do They Do?

A computer programmer could...

Overview Listen to this section

Computers are essential tools in the modern world, handling everything from traffic control, car welding, movie animation, shipping, aircraft design, and social networking to book publishing, business management, music mixing, health care, agriculture, and online shopping. Computer programmers are the people who write the instructions that tell computers what to do.

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Computer Programmer?

1. Programming: ? Writing computer programs for various purposes.
2. Active Listening: ? Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
3. Complex Problem Solving: ? Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
4. Critical Thinking: ? Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
5. Quality Control Analysis: ? Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

6. Systems Analysis: ? Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
7. Reading Comprehension: ? Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
8. Writing: ? Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
9. Judgment and Decision Making: ? Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
10. Operations Analysis: ? Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks a Computer Programmer might do:

• Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.
• Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.
• Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.
• Write, update, and maintain computer programs or software packages to handle specific jobs such as tracking inventory, storing or retrieving data, or controlling other equipment.
• Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.
• Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct.
• Prepare detailed workflow charts and diagrams that describe input, output, and logical operation, and convert them into a series of instructions coded in a computer language.
• Compile and write documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program.
• Consult with and assist computer operators or system analysts to define and resolve problems in running computer programs.
• Perform systems analysis and programming tasks to maintain and control the use of computer systems software as a systems programmer.
• Write or contribute to instructions or manuals to guide end users.
• Investigate whether networks, workstations, the central processing unit of the system, or peripheral equipment are responding to a program's instructions.
• Assign, coordinate, and review work and activities of programming personnel.