The products we use everyday, such as our computer, our smartphone, and our car, wouldn't be able to do what we ask them to do if it weren't for computer programmers.
Computer programming is a very detail-oriented profession. Therefore, programmers are required to focus on writing code for long periods of time without losing focus or losing track of their progress. Often small but critical code issues can have a big impact technically, and can prevent a program from operating correctly. Persistence and the ability to detect and rectify small discrepancies as quickly as possible is essential in order to solve issues.
There are four main categories of computer programmers. The following describes what the differences are between them and their roles:
Computer Hardware Programmer
Computers have their own machine language that they are able to understand and take instructions from. Computer hardware programmers write these instructions in a specific machine language (code) so that a computer knows what to do when someone presses the power button, types on the keyboard, or uses the mouse.
They also write code so that text can be displayed when the computer turns on. Computer programs (a collection of instructions) are put in permanent memory storage so that as soon as someone turns on their computer, programmed information is displayed that prompts the user to choose what the computer does next.
Computer hardware programmers are also involved in researching, designing, developing, and testing computer equipment.
Various Job Tasks For Computer Hardware Programmers
-Write detailed functional specifications for the hardware development process
-Build, test, and modify product prototypes using models
-Design, analyze, test performance of electrical/electronic/computer equipment
-Evaluate interface between hardware and software
-Evaluate operational and performance requirements
-Prepare designs, determine specifications and determine operational plans
-Design and develop CPU's/support logic/microprocessors/circuits/disk drives
-Monitor functioning and make necessary modifications
-Monitor processes for compliance with standards
-Recommend technical design or process changes to improve performance
-Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis
-Analyze user needs and recommend appropriate hardware
Careers Related To Computer Hardware Programmer
-Automation Engineer
-Computer Architect
-Computer Engineer
-Computer Hardware Designer
-Computer Hardware Developer
-Computer Installation Engineer
-Electronics Engineer
-Field Service Engineer
-Hardware Design Engineer
-Hardware Engineer
-Information Technology Consultant (IT Consultant)
-Network Engineer
-Systems Engineer
-Systems Integration Engineer
-Telecommunications Engineer
Web Developer
Computer programmers that design, create, and modify the millions of websites found on the Internet are called web developers. These types of computer programmers use software that allow them the ability to dictate what kinds of functions people are able to do when they access a website.
Web developers start by analyzing a user's needs before designing and structuring a website. They also add applicable graphics, audio, and video components if needed (often using software designed specifically to enable the creation of Web and multimedia content). Even a simple blog needs a web developer that can design the structure, function and the information that an audience can see.
Not only are web developers responsible for the look of a website, but they are also responsible for its performance, capacity, and sometimes content creation as well. Common programming languages for websites include HyperText Markup Language, JavaScript, Drupal, WordPress, and Joomla. These languages can be customized based on the website owner’s needs.
Careers Related To Web Developer
-Front End Web Developer
-Internet Architect
-PHP Web Developer
-Usability Specialist
-User Experience Designer
-User Interface Developer
-Web Applications Developer
-Web Architect
-Web Page Developer
-Web Programmer
-Website Developer
-Website Specialist
-Web Specialist
-Webmaster
Various Job Tasks For Web Developers
-Analyze user needs
-Select programming languages, design tools, or applications
-Create web models or prototypes
-Write computer programming code
-Design, build, edit, or maintain websites
-Use software, content creation tools, management tools, and digital media
-Develop and document style guidelines for website content
-Perform or direct website updates
-Register websites with search engines
-Prioritize needs, resolve tech issues, and develop content criteria
-Back up files to local directories to prevent loss of information
-Resolve software problems and troubleshoot issues
-Ensure code is valid and meets industry standards
-Ensure code is compatible with browsers, devices, or operating systems
-Update knowledge of current Web technologies and practices
-Develop test schedule to test performance
-Create and develop databases that support Web applications and websites
-Develop and integrate e-commerce strategies and marketing strategies
-Provide technical support for computer network issues
-Design and implement firewalls or message encryption
-Develop website maps, application models, image templates, or page templates
-Prepare graphics or other visual representations of information
-Manage links to and from other websites
-Document server load/bandwidth/database performance
Software Developer
Software developers are computer programmers that focus on designing and managing programming functions. A function is a section of organized, reusable code that is used to perform an action (functions can also be called methods, sub-routines, and procedures).
It is possible for software developers to build entire software applications with only functions. These functions, for example, can enable a person to open their tax file, edit their tax documents, and then save or print them. Each type of program is designed differently and has instructions and specific tasks relevant to the company it services. So trying to edit photos in your bank software won't work because the software developer's design didn't included any instructions for your bank program to edit photos.
Software developers also develop, design, create, and modify programs that run the operating systems for computers, networks and even smartphones. In a nutshell, a software developer's goal is to optimize operational efficiency by designing customized software.
Careers Related To Software Developer
-Database Designer
-Database Developer
-Game Developer
-Video Game Engineer
-Information Architect
-Information Systems Analyst
-Information Technology Analyst (IT Analyst)
-Information Technology Consultant (IT Consultant)
-Interface Designer
-Software Analyst
-Software Applications Architect
-Software Applications Designer
-Software Applications Developer
-Software Applications Engineer
-Software Applications Specialist
-Software Computer Specialist
-Software Design Engineer
-Software Designer
-Software Development Engineer
-Software Systems Engineer
-Systems Analyst Programmer
-Usability Engineer
-User Interface Designer
-Software Application Programmer
Various Job Tasks For Software Developers
-Consult with customers about software system design
-Review current systems
-Design software applications
-Analyze project data to determine specifications or requirements
-Determine system performance standards
-Modify existing software to correct errors or to improve its performance
-Present ideas for system improvements, including cost proposals
-Work closely with analysts, engineers, programmers, designers and staff
-Develop and direct software system testing and validation procedures
-Produce detailed specifications and write the program codes
-Test the product in controlled, real situations before going live
-Prepare training manuals for users
-Maintain the systems once they are up and running
-Analyze user needs and software requirements
-Supervise the work of programmers, technologists and technicians
Database Developers
A database (an organized collection of data) collects, arranges, sorts and retrieves related pieces of information. It runs behind the scenes of user software and websites, and is generally stored and accessed electronically from a computer system.
Database developers (or database programmers) are the people who are responsible for creating and implementing computer databases. These types of computer programmers will analyze the data needs of a company and then produce an effective database system to meet those needs.
They will also test database programs for efficiency and performance and troubleshoot and correct any problems that come up. Governments, banks, car dealerships, e-commerce businesses (think Amazon), all need specialized business systems and rely on their databases and the database developers who customize and revise them.
Careers Related to Database Developer
-Database Administrator (DBA)
-Network Administrator
-Data Architect
-Database Design Analyst
-Database Analyst
-Database Coordinator
-Database Design Analyst
-Database Designer
-Database Engineer
-Database Management System Specialist (DBMS Specialist)
-Database Manager
-Database Modeler
-Database Programmer
Various Job Tasks For Database Developers
-Design and development database programs
-Create databases to store electronic data
-Work as part of a project team to coordinate database development
-Develop data model describing data elements and how they are used
-Analyze existing databases and data needs of clients to develop systems
-Use specific programming languages and codes
-Follow implementation processes for new databases
-Troubleshoot and provide solutions for any bugs in new database applications
-Keep up with new and emerging technologies
-Use SQL skills
-Test programs or databases and make necessary modifications
-Update computer database information
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