What Do Computer Programmers Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

Computer Programmers create, modify, and test the code, forms, and script that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software developers or other individuals. May assist software developers by analyzing user needs and designing software solutions. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information. They also write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.

Other tasks include:

• 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.

We asked Computer Programmers how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

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70% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 46% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Computer Programmers perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements. They perform systems analysis and programming tasks to maintain and control the use of computer systems software as a systems programmer.

A typical day for a Computer Programmer will also include:

• Compile and write documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program.
• Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.
• Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.
• Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.
• Develop Web sites.

We asked some Computer Programmers a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

	Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job?	60% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	34% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	47% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	18% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	5% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	32% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Computer Programmers also assign, coordinate, and review work and activities of programming personnel. They may also collaborate with computer manufacturers and other users to develop new programming methods.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Computer Programmers Consult with and assist computer operators or system analysts to define and resolve problems in running computer programs. They might also Train users on the use and function of computer programs.

In addition, they Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them 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.

To some Computer Programmers, it is also their responsibility to Perform systems analysis and programming tasks to maintain and control the use of computer systems software as a systems programmer.

Working life

More than 40 hours per week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Computer Programmer, you can expect to work more than 40 hours per week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally..

They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

Explore other careers

http://www.bls.gov/OOH/computer-and-information-technology/computer-programmers.htm

http://www.acm.org/

http://www.computer.org/

http://www.coeforict.org/