What do computer programmers do and how do they work?
If you can read these words on a PC, a tablet or a smartphone, it is also thanks to the work of computer programmers and web developers. The programmer is one of the most sought after ICT profiles by companies today. But what exactly do programmers do? What educational qualifications should they have? What professional roles do they hold?
Who is the programmer and what does he/she do?
Programmers write and test strings of code to build the foundations and pillars of digital architectures, such as software, applications, platforms, and websites. Computer enthusiasts, predisposed to problem solving and the study of algorithms, have the task of finding digital solutions for specific business needs and / or to solve an existing software problem.
Specifically, the programmer deals with back-end development, i.e. the management and communication of applications with the database, application logic, project architecture, data security, protection from cyber attacks. In short, everything behind the scenes.
What is the difference between programmer and software developer?
Semantic subtlety is very likely to disappear in job postings, but programmer and developer are not exactly the same.
The programmer writes and tests the source code that makes the IT infrastructure work properly. In other words, he is a kind of digital worker who transforms the software design created by the developer into instructions that a computer can follow.
The software developer is the creative mind behind computer programs. He can develop applications that allow users to perform certain tasks on a computer and / or develop the underlying systems that run the control devices or networks.
Programming: workflow and professionals employed
Programming generally follows a workflow made up of successive steps, which employ different skills. Let’s see them together:
Analyst Programmer
collects the problems and needs of the customer who commissions the software, identifies the requirements of the finished product and draws up the project.
Programmer
writes the code that allows the program to respond to the needs identified by the analyst together with the customer. He/she chooses the most functional programming languages for each project and writes strings that operating systems can decrypt to follow certain instructions.
Programmer and / or software tester
checks the functionality of the software. Any mistakes identified (the famous bugs) are then corrected during debugging and troubleshooting, in order to get the final version of the product.
Drafting of technical manuals
When the product is ready for delivery, the necessary instructions for the use and management of the software are drawn up. It is normally a task that falls to programmers, together with that of taking care of updates and maintenance of the programmed software.
Depending on the level of structuring of the working reality, the programmer will have to follow one or more of these phases. The full-stack developer is the person who follows the programming work process in all its phases.
Prospects and career opportunities
Programming is a stimulating profession, full of challenges and, nowadays, in great demand. In addition to excellent employment prospects, the profession offers a good degree of flexibility and the ability to work remotely. Programmers are employed in software houses, start-ups, or can work as a freelance and offer consultancy activities.
The cyber security expert (expert in protecting systems, networks and programs from digital attacks) and the UI / UX designer (expert in designing interfaces to make interaction with the user simple, intuitive and pleasant) are currently in great demand.
Education and training qualifications
The diploma of computer expert is the minimum qualification to start in the profession. A three-year or specialist degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering is certainly useful, but not strictly necessary. As with all professions, it is essential to gain a lot of experience in the field and do everything possible to follow professional and specialist training courses. It goes without saying that a programmer must be continually updated on new languages and emerging technologies. It is a universe in constant and rapid evolution, which requires time to learn new useful elements.
Experience in software house
As far as we are concerned, we are a software house, which is a company specializing in the production of software and applications for companies of all types and of all sizes. We specialize in particular in the automotive, insurance, healthcare and logistics markets.
In our experience, a good programmer is conscientious, very patient, and attentive to detail. Furthermore, often having to interface with customers or with other groups of computer scientists, he must be able to communicate effectively and, therefore, go well beyond the stereotype that wants him to be antisocial and in an exclusive relationship with the monitor.
To conclude, programming is a profession that certainly requires a high level of practical and theoretical preparation. The investment in training and experience is rewarded by a stimulating job full of ever-changing challenges. If you like looking for always better digital solutions to everyday life problems, programming could be for you.