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Computer Programmers

Also called: Programmer Analyst, Programmer, Analyst Programmer, Computer Programmer

Where in the military? In the military: see titles from the Air Force, Army, or Navy.

What they do:
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.
On the job, you would:
  • Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.
  • Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct.
  • 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.

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
  • computers and electronics
Arts and Humanities
  • English language
Math and Science
  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Business
  • customer service

Skills

Basic Skills
  • reading work related information
  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
Problem Solving
  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
People and Technology Systems
  • thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
  • measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it

Abilities

Verbal
  • read and understand what is written
  • listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
  • order or arrange things
  • make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
Math
  • choose the right type of math to solve a problem
  • add, subtract, multiply, or divide

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include
ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Attention to Detail
  • Initiative
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Cooperation
  • Adaptability/Flexibility

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Development environment software
  • C
  • Microsoft Visual Basic
Object or component oriented development software
  • C++
  • Greatis Object Inspector
Web platform development software
  • Hypertext markup language HTML
  • JavaScript

Education

Education: (rated 4 of 5)
bachelor's degree or
some college
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Find Training Find Certifications Registered Apprenticeship

Job Outlook

Bright Outlook
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
Salary
$72,630
per year, on average
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Explore More

See more details at O*NET OnLine about computer programmers.