本文发表在 rolia.net 枫下论坛Applications Programmer
BY DicoverIT
The title of programmer covers a broad range of job categories related to working with software tools and programming languages. Programmers are often grouped into two broad categories:
Applications Programmers
Systems Programmers
The same job may be labeled as any one of the following positions:
Scientific Programmer
System Programmer
Application Programmer
Software Programmer
Software Development Programmer
Business Programmer
Computer Programmer
Applications programmers write the software to handle specific jobs within an organization and may also add simple programming to existing packaged software to develop certain systems.
What You Do
As an applications programmer you are responsible for writing, testing and maintaining the detailed instructions called “application programs” or “software” that tell a computer what to do in logical sequence. Depending on your specialty, you may write programs for large mainframe computers, intermediate server machines, or for personal computers.
Who You Do It For
Application programmers are employed in almost every industry; however, the largest concentration is in the computer and data processing services industry, which includes firms that write and sell software. Large numbers of applications programmers can also be found working in:
firms providing engineering and management services,
manufacturers of computer and office equipment,
financial institutions,
insurance carriers,
educational institutions, and
government departments and agencies.
How You Do It
Computer programs are usually written in programming languages such as:
C, FORTRAN or COBOL,
an artificial intelligence language like LISP or Prolog,
a fourth generation language such as Focus, Delphi, PowerBuilder or Foxpro, or
one of the more advanced function-oriented or object-oriented languages like UML, Java, C++, Visual Basic or Ada.
As a programmer, you usually know more than one programming language since many of the languages are similar. In practice, you are usually referred to by either the language you specialize in, or the environment in which you work. For example:
Mainframe Programmer,
Object-Oriented Programmer, and
WWW Programmer
Once the program has been written, you are required to test it to ensure that it will produce the desired information and result. If errors occur in the test stage, you must make the appropriate changes and recheck the program until it produces the desired result.
This is called debugging. If working with mainframe systems, you would also prepare instruction sheets for computer operators who will run the programs.
The Challenges
Extensive knowledge of a variety of operating systems and computer languages is essential. As technology expands, application programmers may be required to work with more complex systems and the major challenge most application programmers face will be the continual need to keep pace with the changing program languages and technology.
Owing to the nature of the job, many application programmers are faced with updating and modifying code for existing programs which may have been haphazardly put together. In some instances this can be a lengthy and tedious process in which careful attention to detail is a must.
The Skills
gather and consolidate relevant data and information,
learn new skills and knowledge,
think analytically and problem solve,
pay attention to detail and work effectively under pressure,
think logically,
think creatively and have the ingenuity to develop new approaches,
be self-motivated and determined,
be persistent,
demonstrate flexibility in your thinking, and
communicate well with both users and IT co-workers.
The Working Conditions
The working conditions for application programmers vary from firm to firm. Generally, application programmers work on average 40-hour week. However, you may have to work long hours when you are faced with tight deadlines.
Application programmers generally work in offices in comfortable surroundings. Given the technology available, telecommuting is becoming more common.
Like other workers who spend their time in front of a computer terminal, application programmers are susceptible to eyestrain, back discomfort and hand and wrist problems.
What The Future Holds
Self employment, contract and consulting work are very important options available to application programmers, in addition to salaried employee positions. As technology expands, the growth rate for application programmers is projected to be well above the estimated average growth rate for all occupations.
Prospects will be best for those familiar with a variety of programming languages that apply to computer networking, database management and artificial intelligence.
The Levels
Entry Level Programmer
Working under the supervision of a more senior programmer, you may be required to:
construct or modify, document, test, correct program modules,
write enhancements and modifications to programs,
tune or re-program portions of applications,
produce satisfactory program specifications,
implement and document application enhancements or modifications,
select and apply approved standards,
carry out integration testing and building of working versions of systems,
use relevant hardware and software technical manuals,
participate in research and evaluation of new and upgraded software products,
present technical problems, processes and solutions,
plan and schedule work within set targets, plan simple projects,
use support tools effectively,
use appropriate programming techniques to ensure that programs perform effectively in the production environment, and
use and construct independent libraries.
As a entry level programmer you can expect to handle sections of code or modular pieces of programs in your first few assignments.
Full Working Programmer
At this level, you will be performing the job as programmer without supervision and you may be responsible for the supervision of other staff on a project. In addition, you may be responsible for small projects or portions of medium-large projects. You may be required to:
construct or modify, document, test, correct program modules,
write enhancements and modifications to programs,
tune or re-program portions of applications,
produce satisfactory program specifications for program modules,
implement and document application enhancements and modifications,
select and apply approved standards,
carry out integration testing and building of systems,
use relevant hardware and software technical manuals,
participate in research and evaluation of new and upgraded software products,
present technical problems, processes and solutions,
plan and schedule work within set targets, and plan simple projects.
use support tools effectively,
use appropriate programming techniques to ensure stable environment,
use and construct independent libraries,
research and evaluate a variety of software products, and
supervise, train and evaluate staff.
Intermediate Programmer
As the intermediate programmer, you will be expected to supervise staff. You may also be required to:
lead application programmers in construction, modification, testing, etc.,
supervise or write program enhancements,
coordinate and/or tune and re-program portions of applications,
oversee implementation and documentation of enhancements,
oversee production of satisfactory specifications,
select and apply standards, methods and program developments,
coordinate and participate in integration testing,
research and evaluate new and upgraded software products,
participate in the development of installation routines,
be right on top of problem situations,
consolidate work plan reporting to project management,
supervise, train and evaluate staff.
The Money - National Average Salaries
Junior Programmer - $40,903
Full Working Programmer - $59,136
Intermediate Programmer - $70,229
The Education and Training
Junior Programmer
University degree or college diploma with 0-2 years experience in the IT industry and specific job experience in this stream. For mobility within the field, application programmers should concentrate on developing a well-rounded portfolio.
Course work at the post secondary level should include basic and advanced programming, some technical computer science courses and some logic or systems architecture classes. In addition, you can greatly improve your employment prospects by taking courses such as accounting, management, engineering or science.
Most employers are looking for experience. You can greatly enhance your employment outlook by Volunteering and participating in Internship Programs. As you are going to school, find ways to Increase Your Computer Skills.
Full Working Programmer
This stream requires 3-5 years experience in the IT industry and specific job experience in addition to a university degree or college diploma.
Intermediate Programmer
This stream requires 3-5 years experience in the IT industry and specific job experience in addition to a university degree or college diploma.更多精彩文章及讨论，请光临枫下论坛 rolia.net
BY DicoverIT
The title of programmer covers a broad range of job categories related to working with software tools and programming languages. Programmers are often grouped into two broad categories:
Applications Programmers
Systems Programmers
The same job may be labeled as any one of the following positions:
Scientific Programmer
System Programmer
Application Programmer
Software Programmer
Software Development Programmer
Business Programmer
Computer Programmer
Applications programmers write the software to handle specific jobs within an organization and may also add simple programming to existing packaged software to develop certain systems.
What You Do
As an applications programmer you are responsible for writing, testing and maintaining the detailed instructions called “application programs” or “software” that tell a computer what to do in logical sequence. Depending on your specialty, you may write programs for large mainframe computers, intermediate server machines, or for personal computers.
Who You Do It For
Application programmers are employed in almost every industry; however, the largest concentration is in the computer and data processing services industry, which includes firms that write and sell software. Large numbers of applications programmers can also be found working in:
firms providing engineering and management services,
manufacturers of computer and office equipment,
financial institutions,
insurance carriers,
educational institutions, and
government departments and agencies.
How You Do It
Computer programs are usually written in programming languages such as:
C, FORTRAN or COBOL,
an artificial intelligence language like LISP or Prolog,
a fourth generation language such as Focus, Delphi, PowerBuilder or Foxpro, or
one of the more advanced function-oriented or object-oriented languages like UML, Java, C++, Visual Basic or Ada.
As a programmer, you usually know more than one programming language since many of the languages are similar. In practice, you are usually referred to by either the language you specialize in, or the environment in which you work. For example:
Mainframe Programmer,
Object-Oriented Programmer, and
WWW Programmer
Once the program has been written, you are required to test it to ensure that it will produce the desired information and result. If errors occur in the test stage, you must make the appropriate changes and recheck the program until it produces the desired result.
This is called debugging. If working with mainframe systems, you would also prepare instruction sheets for computer operators who will run the programs.
The Challenges
Extensive knowledge of a variety of operating systems and computer languages is essential. As technology expands, application programmers may be required to work with more complex systems and the major challenge most application programmers face will be the continual need to keep pace with the changing program languages and technology.
Owing to the nature of the job, many application programmers are faced with updating and modifying code for existing programs which may have been haphazardly put together. In some instances this can be a lengthy and tedious process in which careful attention to detail is a must.
The Skills
gather and consolidate relevant data and information,
learn new skills and knowledge,
think analytically and problem solve,
pay attention to detail and work effectively under pressure,
think logically,
think creatively and have the ingenuity to develop new approaches,
be self-motivated and determined,
be persistent,
demonstrate flexibility in your thinking, and
communicate well with both users and IT co-workers.
The Working Conditions
The working conditions for application programmers vary from firm to firm. Generally, application programmers work on average 40-hour week. However, you may have to work long hours when you are faced with tight deadlines.
Application programmers generally work in offices in comfortable surroundings. Given the technology available, telecommuting is becoming more common.
Like other workers who spend their time in front of a computer terminal, application programmers are susceptible to eyestrain, back discomfort and hand and wrist problems.
What The Future Holds
Self employment, contract and consulting work are very important options available to application programmers, in addition to salaried employee positions. As technology expands, the growth rate for application programmers is projected to be well above the estimated average growth rate for all occupations.
Prospects will be best for those familiar with a variety of programming languages that apply to computer networking, database management and artificial intelligence.
The Levels
Entry Level Programmer
Working under the supervision of a more senior programmer, you may be required to:
construct or modify, document, test, correct program modules,
write enhancements and modifications to programs,
tune or re-program portions of applications,
produce satisfactory program specifications,
implement and document application enhancements or modifications,
select and apply approved standards,
carry out integration testing and building of working versions of systems,
use relevant hardware and software technical manuals,
participate in research and evaluation of new and upgraded software products,
present technical problems, processes and solutions,
plan and schedule work within set targets, plan simple projects,
use support tools effectively,
use appropriate programming techniques to ensure that programs perform effectively in the production environment, and
use and construct independent libraries.
As a entry level programmer you can expect to handle sections of code or modular pieces of programs in your first few assignments.
Full Working Programmer
At this level, you will be performing the job as programmer without supervision and you may be responsible for the supervision of other staff on a project. In addition, you may be responsible for small projects or portions of medium-large projects. You may be required to:
construct or modify, document, test, correct program modules,
write enhancements and modifications to programs,
tune or re-program portions of applications,
produce satisfactory program specifications for program modules,
implement and document application enhancements and modifications,
select and apply approved standards,
carry out integration testing and building of systems,
use relevant hardware and software technical manuals,
participate in research and evaluation of new and upgraded software products,
present technical problems, processes and solutions,
plan and schedule work within set targets, and plan simple projects.
use support tools effectively,
use appropriate programming techniques to ensure stable environment,
use and construct independent libraries,
research and evaluate a variety of software products, and
supervise, train and evaluate staff.
Intermediate Programmer
As the intermediate programmer, you will be expected to supervise staff. You may also be required to:
lead application programmers in construction, modification, testing, etc.,
supervise or write program enhancements,
coordinate and/or tune and re-program portions of applications,
oversee implementation and documentation of enhancements,
oversee production of satisfactory specifications,
select and apply standards, methods and program developments,
coordinate and participate in integration testing,
research and evaluate new and upgraded software products,
participate in the development of installation routines,
be right on top of problem situations,
consolidate work plan reporting to project management,
supervise, train and evaluate staff.
The Money - National Average Salaries
Junior Programmer - $40,903
Full Working Programmer - $59,136
Intermediate Programmer - $70,229
The Education and Training
Junior Programmer
University degree or college diploma with 0-2 years experience in the IT industry and specific job experience in this stream. For mobility within the field, application programmers should concentrate on developing a well-rounded portfolio.
Course work at the post secondary level should include basic and advanced programming, some technical computer science courses and some logic or systems architecture classes. In addition, you can greatly improve your employment prospects by taking courses such as accounting, management, engineering or science.
Most employers are looking for experience. You can greatly enhance your employment outlook by Volunteering and participating in Internship Programs. As you are going to school, find ways to Increase Your Computer Skills.
Full Working Programmer
This stream requires 3-5 years experience in the IT industry and specific job experience in addition to a university degree or college diploma.
Intermediate Programmer
This stream requires 3-5 years experience in the IT industry and specific job experience in addition to a university degree or college diploma.更多精彩文章及讨论，请光临枫下论坛 rolia.net