Computer programming is all around us. Mobile phones are filled with apps that are software programs, however small they may seem. Anytime you use Google to search the internet, trillions of lines of code are being run by your web browser in the background to accomplish the task. Even on your home computer, most of what lies inside is some type of program running. In fact, across the world, there’s a good chance that at least 10 people are touching a computer right now and using some sort of software program.
Computer programming is everywhere
Because of this omnipresence in all forms of technology, it has become a very attractive career choice for many young people. Although most languages tend to be more poplar than others among programmers, any programming language will suffice when working on the plethora of projects they find themselves working on when trying to graduate from entry-level positions all the way up to enterprise application development or even leading their own group as head programmer within an organization.
From my personal experience with studying computer science in university and hiring software developers in my past life as a business owner, I can attest that these are some of the most versatile and intelligent professionals one could hire.
For those who are curious, here’s a brief overview of what computer programming consists of:
Computer programming is building code out of logical instructions written in a particular programming language to make a machine perform specific tasks or functions. These tasks fall under two main categories – system automation/management, which usually consist of file management, process management or website maintenance; and application development, which requires an understanding of software architecture and design principles as well as knowledge about various platforms on which it may be used (desktop computers, mobile phones, tablets etc.) .
The Career Information
Generally speaking there are three major paths you can take if you wish to become a computer programmer:
1) Career Path #1 – Entry-Level Programmer
Entry-level programmers are typically straight out of high school or postsecondary diploma programs. Their main tasks will be to write code that automates basic system processes for an organization, maintain websites, write documentation and assist with application development. The entry-level programmer may also be responsible for testing their own work before handing it over to other workers in the company.
Entry-level programmers usually do not have prior work experience in computer programming but instead come from a background of graphic design, web development or another technical field where they learned some basic software skills on the job. Job postings for entry level positions rarely list specific education requirements (from my personal observations), although one may wish to get certified through a diploma or degree program. Career Path #2 – College Degree
For those who want to take the traditional route to programming, attending one of Canada’s many post-secondary institutions will be your best bet. Computer programming is included in curriculums of science, engineering or mathematics programs. Career Path #3 – Self Teaching/Online Courses
If you are particularly interested in software development but have no formal training nor background in computer science, self teaching yourself would be the best option for you out there right now, since it requires little upfront costs and can often lead into paid positions working as an entry-level programmer within 6 months because of industry demand.
Many people have a passion for programming and coding. These skills can be used in many ways. It can be an exciting and rewarding career choice, and with so many opportunities out there the only problem is knowing where to begin!
The Career Path of A Computer Programmer
As a computer programmer, you will probably work in an office environment, but that doesn’t mean that your job is just sitting at a desk inputting numbers into spreadsheets all day long. Your job is to solve complicated problems by writing instructions for computers to execute using various programming languages such as C++ or JavaScript.
When you sit down in front of your computer at your place of work you may receive some information about the project you are working on from another co-worker or your manager. This project will probably involve some research into the subject that is required, with most of your time being spent writing complex algorithms in order to complete it.
You could also be tasked with programming various software programs for clients using tools developed by you and your team. Sometimes this can be done remotely over the internet with a group of people meeting up at different times each week in order to collaborate on certain aspects of the project .
Once you have finished work for the day, there are so many opportunities out there as a computer programmer , such as building apps for mobile phones! Software development can be very exciting as it constantly changes and evolves as technology advances so if ever find yourself getting bored of what you do then this career change may be for you.
The Career of A Computer Programmer
In this day and age, there are many aspects of our lives that rely on computer programming. Computers have been found in the most unusual places such as cars, household appliances and even toys! Knowing how to program a computer can put you in high demand from employers with your skills being sought by almost every type of company. If ever decide to make the choice to work in this industry, there is a great opportunity to undertake further qualifications or higher education if you wish once you have a few years experience under your belt.
The programs are then sent to the computer where they are executed. Computer programmers have different levels of expertise just as doctors have different levels of expertise in medicine. The highest level is a software engineer, also known as a senior programmer or simply a senior developer. These programmers design large programming systems and plan their function precisely before writing them.
They must often work closely with customers and other developers to understand what is meant by the term “function”. A mid-level programmer will assist in developing new applications while maintaining old ones, updating existing code while testing it through simulated tests and simulations on paper. An entry-level programmer may only be required to add minor features such as encryption or error checking to an application that has already been written.
Career requirements for computer programmers can vary. While some people enter into this line of work to be like the heroes in movies like Ocean’s 11 (2001) or The Matrix (1999), others enter because they are fascinated with technology and find the idea of programming very interesting. Yet others may come from a background in mathematics, English, history, science, or any combination thereof. No matter the circumstances that brought them there, however, it is important for all entry-level computer programmers to possess strong communication skills particularly when it comes to working with team members who have different skill sets than themselves.
