Computer Programing

Introduction

Computer programming is the process that instructs a computer how to accomplish a task. These instructions exist in the form of codes. Computer programming involves the process of creating and implementing different sets of instruction that make it capable of accomplishing a given task. The programmer then combines the source codes through a translator to transform them to machine code. It is this code, which humans cannot read, that the computers read.

Computer programmers can convert solutions to various problems into instructions that the computer can comprehend. A computer programmer uses a programming language to write the code. A set of rules contained in a programming language stipulates the writing of instructions for a computer. There exist various programming languages exist such as C, C++, JavaScript, Python, PHP, and Perl among others. Some of these languages such as PHP, JavaScript, and python do not require separate compilation but instead use the just-in-time process on the computer for which it is running. Every language requires a set of knowledge, rules, and vocabulary. The art of learning a new programming language is similar to learning a new spoken language.

The programming process comprises some steps that look similar to those in problem-solving tasks. These steps include; defining the problem, making plans for the solution, creating the code for the program, carrying out the test for the code, and documenting the code. The first step involves defining the problem. In this case, a computer programmer needs to understand the problem that the organization or client seeks to solve. The programmer is required to analyze the problem and define the problem. This process includes identifying the input for the problem and the expected output.

The next step involves planning for a solution. The standard methods applied to this include drawing a flowchart and writing pseudocode that demonstrates what the final code should do. A flowchart contains a pictorial representation of a systematic solution to a problem. All arrows point in the direction that the program follows while boxes and other symbols represent the actions required. A flowchart shows what a program is going to do and exactly how that is going to be achieved. On the other hand, pseudo code resembles a nonstandard language through which the solution to a problem can be described in a more precise manner. With pseudo code, it is possible to concentrate on the logic of the problem without the need of being concerned about the precision of a particular programming language.

The other step involves the actual coding of the program. This step entails converting the solution into a programming language. A computer programmer can transform the logic represented in the flowchart or the pseudo code to a programming language. The programming language defines the standards of writing instructions for the computer. Each program has its own specific set of rules, and it is important for a programmer to adhere to the exact rules and the syntax of a given language.

Testing the program is the next step in the programming journey. The process of testing aims at identifying any errors that may be present in the code and correcting them. Testing a program happens in phases. Desk checking is the proofreading of code to ensure the accuracy of its logic and its working in the right manner. Changing the source code into machine code that a computer can understand is referred to as translating, which cross-checks the syntax of the programming language. Debugging is the phase that involves detecting, locating, and correcting mistakes by running the program. It consists of removing logic errors called bugs.

The next step in this journey is the documentation of the program. This step is an ongoing process of writing a detailed description of the programming cycle. Documentation is a significant step that is necessary for supplementing human memory and facilitating the process of program planning.

A Career in Computer Programming

Computer programing is an important and rewarding career. The demand for programmers has increased in the recent past and has sparked great interest among students. Programming courses, in most cases, experience high dropout rates amongst the students. Computer programming courses offer an effective learning environment and experience for the students. Students undertaking a course in computer science make a conscious choice in full understanding of the level of difficulty. Studies in computer programming go beyond the acquisition of basic computer literacy skills.

The journey of a computer programmer involves steps that allow one to move from being a novice to an expert. Experts in computer programming have the skills and ability to organize and present this in the form of a schema. A programmer organizes knowledge according to the functional characteristics. An expert in computer programing makes use of both general and specialized problem-solving strategies to create and understand programs efficiently. Gaining expertise in computer programming aims at reducing variability in three ways. These include defining the most efficient way to approach the design task, the use of a standard set of schemas to answer a question and constraining the choice of execution that offers the best solution. This fact infers that expert computer programmers perform their tasks in a fast and accurate manner using different sources of knowledge and strategies.  This is where novice computer programmers aim to reach.

A career in computer programming requires one to understand the knowledge and strategies necessary in the field. Extensive knowledge in computer programming helps a programmer to understand different programing concepts such as the loop. Programming strategies help a computer programmer understand the best way to apply the knowledge gained when creating a program. The foundations of computer programming are acquiring an understanding of computers, programming languages, programming tools, and the most appropriate theories and formal methods.

Undertaking a course in computer programming focuses on the content and structure of programming knowledge. This helps the aspiring computer programmer to understand the structured knowledge referred to as the schema. A Schema has a set of propositions that organized in the form of semantic content and broken down into independent plans, frames, and scripts. A novice computer programmer learns how to read and create conventional and unconventional programs.

Indulging in the career of computer programming provides learners with comprehension of programming concepts and principles. This helps them understand and demonstrate how computer programs work. Program generation is another concept that computer programmers need to have as they participate in the career where they seek to create a section or a whole program with the aim of solving a particular problem. Computer programmers learn and understand how to formulate definite mappings from problem domain and convert them into a programming domain that solves the problem. This requires a computer programmer to know the structure of the domains and the exact infrastructure on the mappings that connects them.

Seeking a career in computer programming requires one to undertake a course in computer science and applications. This assures one of a career in computer programming. Learners are offered an opportunity to understand the real-world situations and relate it to the process of creating the desired solutions. Students learn complex concepts in computer programing. Other advanced concepts that computer programmers need to understand in order for them to excel in their career include an understanding of the algorithms, software development lifecycle, network architecture, and computer security.

Gaining entry into the career as a computer programmer requires one to gain a full understanding of the operations of a computer system that can help create solutions to problems. As a computer programmer, one needs to understand the system’s limitations and determine how they can be resolved to increase overall efficiency. The general responsibilities under this career include coming up with new computer programming methods, ranging from basic techniques in programming to more complex approaches.

A computer programmer is tasked with the responsibility of developing new programs that will be useful in solving problems affecting an organization or industry. In this career, one will be required to apply knowledge of computer programming to shape their mode of thinking in a sensible manner that will benefit people in the field. This needs one to make rational choices and take a logical approach to creating these solutions. A career in computer programming requires one to have different skills such as problem-solving, sharp memory, efficiency, self-motivation and independence, and perseverance. The need for programs is solving user problems hence justifying the need for people taking up computer programming as a career.  

How Programming Works

Computer programming takes a goal-oriented approach that makes it possible to create and build things. The coding process aims at creating a solution for the identified problem. This is referred to as coding with purpose. Practicing the art of programming implies that we can come up with a new way of automating the process. The process of creating a program depends on how well it can teach the computer to follow a command. In this sense, programming presents an opportunity to express innovative abilities. The tools used for the process of creation of something new include languages, machines, compilers, and interpreters. In this digital era, computer programming is one avenue for innovation. This requires the building of new programs and systems that take over the processes that people previously did manually. These programs have revolutionized the operations of business, transactions of money, business communications, and operations. Computer programming offers an opportunity for people to create systems that help solve the problem at hand. New computer programs improve the efficiency and effectiveness of organization’s operation, reduce operation errors, and save on costs.

Computer programming has the potential of causing a change in the world. Barack Obama recognized this when he launched the program, “Computer Science for ALL.”) This initiative aims at ensuring that the students have some hands-on skills in computer science and math classes enough to help them be ready for future roles. The program indicated the benefits attributed to learning computer programming. Computer programming equips one with the capability of building apps that solve simple problems. Programmers create most of their successful apps as an attempt to solve a problem. This approach increases the rate of innovations. With some programming skills, one can be in a position to create apps that provide entertainment such as personalized games. Computer programming skills also equip people with relevant potential required in building solutions to global problems. Humans can thrive in a global environment with improved operations making the world a better place. It has become important for people to continue improving on the current solutions.

Computer programming skills help people to rethink how to propose and create more enhanced solutions. While trying to increase their efficiency, organizations require new algorithms that can make their processes more efficient. The logistic function is one area where the use of algorithms can help establish the shortest route that trucks need to use and how to lower the cost of logistics operations worldwide. Most organizations have put in place systems to help in the collection of relevant business data and related operations. However, much of this data is only stored in databases without providing insight. Computer programming helps such organizations to analyze the data and discover meaningful trends. It is clear that the magnitude of the vast data makes it impossible for an individual to spot any insight, but analytics and business intelligence tools will help organizations discover new trends in their business and even possibly deduce innovative solutions to complex problems surrounding the organization’s operations. Programmers can help such organizations to develop the right algorithms and organize the data into meaningful information that the organization can put to use and improve its productivity.

Computer programming offers a great learning opportunity on how to use different programming languages. Computer programming languages help in the creation of forms and functions that a computer performs. Each language includes a set of detailed instructions on how to write a code. Learning computer programming exposes computer programmers to the various relevant programming languages. Websites are innovative and responsive, and their capabilities of hosting more features and functions when a programmer designs using a single or a combination of the most popular programming languages. C is the foundational programming language for the development of another language. Programmers use other languages for building improved functionalities of how websites work, to ensure they accommodate pages, features, and overall designs that are more flexible. Twenty of the world’s most popular technologies use JavaScript 54.4%, SQL 48%, Java 37.4%, C# 31.6%, PHP 29.7%, Python 23.8%, C++ 20.6%, C 16.4%, and Node.JS 13.3% to power their devices (The University of Florida, 2017). With computer programming, individuals will get a deeper insight and understanding of these languages.

Jobs and Opportunity in Computer Programming

Computer programming skills can fit in any industry. Every industry is continuously seeking innovative ways to automate its operations to achieve efficiency and effectiveness and cut costs. The capabilities of technologies have increased thereby creating a demand for programmers in all sectors. Computer programming comes with flexibility and adaptability that allows it to fit in diversified industries. Different industries have different software needs as per the nature of their business. A computer programmer can address any of these needs, as they are not limited to operate in a single industry.

The finance industry requires computer programmers to develop software and systems for use in market prediction and perform tasks related to client management and online software development for users. The finance sector helps to collect massive data that introduces a need for database management software. The gaming industry is another major consumer of computer programming skills. It is fast-paced, fun, and where one can see and play with their results. Software development companies also use the skills of a computer programmer to create a solution that seeks to solve the problems of their clients. Clients in the software industry will cut across different industries thereby making one a relevant player for different industries in need of computer application and systems.

The healthcare industry is an important industry that computer programmers have a niche to fill. It is a common knowledge that the healthcare industry uses computers for complex functions and monitoring. The use of electronic health records is essential in coordinating treatment plans and schedule appointments. In this industry, a computer programmer may serve in the field of research or software engineering. Manufacturing industries need computer programmers to help in the creation of systems for inventory management, logistics, and operations planning. All industries rely on technology, which offers an opportunity for a computer programmer to penetrate these industries. Where systems already exist, a computer programmer may take the role of maintenance and improvement.

A computer programmer does not work in isolation but operates in an environment where different people work in diversified capacities. The people that computer programmers interact with the industrial sector where they operate. Most computer programmers work hand-in-hand with other programmers and collaborate with different specialists such as software engineers, back-end programmer, front-end programmers, designers, quality controllers, and project managers.

A computer programmer gets a fair amount of compensation for their job. The average annual wage for a computer programmer is approximately $61,000. The range of the pay earned by computer programmers in $36,000-$99,000. Other forms of compensation include bonuses that may amount to $10,000 and profit sharing deals that may be close to $17,000. Computer programmers working on a contract charge between $30 and $65 per hour. Some key factors influence the compensation level of a computer programmer. His or her experience is a key determinant of their level of compensation. Location in terms of their city and country affects how much it costs a client to get their services as well. The market demand for specific programming skills also affects how much a client may have to pay for them. The negotiation skills of a programmer may also influence how much they get paid.

Computer Programming Overview: Facts and Statistics

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that computer programmers create, modify, and test codes, forms, and scripts that make it possible for a computer application to run. Software developers analyze their clients’ needs and then design a software solution. The programs created may store, locate, or retrieve a specific document, data, or information. They may also run specific commands and return certain results.

The national estimates for computer programming indicate that 271,200 computer programmers were making up 1.7% of the employment RSE. The mean hourly wage is $40.95 with a mean annual wage of $85,180 making up a wage of 0.9%. The industries with the highest levels of employment include computer systems designs and other services. This sector absorbs about 110,340 or 5.60% of the industry employment, software publishers with 18,530 (5.44%), management of companies and enterprises 13,520 or 0.59%, employment services 8,170 (0.23%), and learning institutions 717 (0.26%) (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016). Industries with the highest concentration of employment include computer systems design and related services (110,340), software publishers (18,530), data processing, hosting, and related services (6,930), other information services (3,270), and manufacturing and reproducing magnetic and optical media (160).

The top paying industries for computer programmers include securities and stock exchange at $55.64, other financial services – $54.19, dry-cleaning and laundry services – $53.16, natural gas distribution – $49.92, and automobile dealers $48.15. The state with the highest employment level in the United States is California with 37,570 employed programmers and an average pay of $44.41/hour. Texas has 20,430 programmers underemployment and a mean pay of $40.97/hour while New York has 17,790 programmers and a mean pay of $42.56/hour. The number of employed programmers in Illinois is 13,350, and the average is pay of $40.07/ hour while those of New Jersey are 13,080 and $40.91 respectively. The top paying states are Washington with an average rate of $55.85, District of Colombia with $46.19, Colorado with $46.03, Massachusetts with $45.92, and Virginia with $45.52 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016).

Becoming a computer programmer requires one to acquire a bachelor’s degree in computer science or other relevant subjects. Programmers are working in specific fields such as health and accounting. The education program only teaches programmers a limited number of computer languages while in school. However, the fundamentals of computer science give the students ability to learn new languages with ease. The students need an internship to acquire experience in writing codes, testing programs, fixing errors, and accomplishing other tasks (Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor). The fast-changing pace of technology requires that computer programmers continue improving their skills by attending education classes or attending professional development seminars. The additional knowledge offers them an opportunity to learn a new language or upgrade the skills they already have. The programmer may be certified to use specific programming languages or for vendor-specific programming products. Programmers with experience in business may fit well as computer systems analysts. Experience may create an opportunity for a computer programmer to become a software developer, or even join higher managerial positions such as being information system managers. Computer programmers require analytical skills, concentration, attention to detail, and ability to troubleshoot different computer systems.

Conclusion

As discussed, computer programming is the creative process that entails the creation of instruction that dictates to a computer what to do and how to do it. The instructions are contained in a code. A programmer then converts the source code, which is understandable by humans, into machine code, which is the language that the computer understands. The programming process comprises a number of steps that look similar to those in the problem-solving tasks. These steps include defining the problem, making plans for the solution, creating the code for the program, carrying out the test for the code, and documenting it.

With computer programming, it will be great learning how to use different programming languages. Computer programming languages are used in the creation of forms and functions that a computer performs. The languages include a set of detailed instructions on how to write code. Some of the common languages include C++, Java, JavaScript, PHP, RUBY, Objective C, and Python. Computer programming is a skill that is required across different industries but in different capacities. Various industries are always searching how to improve efficiency and effectiveness in their operations. Industries such as manufacturing, finance, software development, and health sector are just examples of industries where the computer programming skills are required. Computer programmers account for 1.7% of the employment with about 270,000 programmers and an average annual pay of about $85180.

References

Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2016). Occupational Employment and Wages: Computer Programmers. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes151131.htm#ind

Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor. (n.d.). Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer Programmers. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-programmers.htm The University of Florida. (2017). The Languages of Computer Science. Retrieved from https://ufonline.ufl.edu/infographics/languages-of-computer-science