Computer programming involves writing executable codes for applications, computers, and other software programming by professionals. It's also referred to as coding. Coding consists of words, letters, symbols, and other signs part of the programmer's particular language of choice.
There are over seven hundred programming languages created since the invention of the modern computer system in the late twentieth century. Examples of the more popular computer programming languages are Python, JavaScript, Ruby, PHP, HTML, C#, among others. Each of these languages serves specific purposes.
Who is a Computer Programmer?
A programmer is a person that writes programs/ instructions for computer software.
What does programming/coding entail?
A programmer gives instructions to a computer or machine. As listed above, different programming languages are used for different projects. While python is used for various back-end programming and user interfaces, PHP is used in conjunction with HTML for web development.
A programmer can either be a back end or a front end developer, while some have mastered both skills. Front-end programmers deal with user interface, i.e., what users see when using an application or a website. Back-end programming revolves around fixing bugs and connecting databases to their servers.
Programming is relative to learning a new language, albeit with inflexible rules. The simplest programming language contains a few hundred specialized languages, terms, and rules that you must not forget because it guides you every step of the way.
Coding contains words, symbols, letters, and figures scripted together meaningfully to make a computer carry out a task. Applications and computer software rely on millions, sometimes, billions of lines of code.
Is the study of mathematics essential to programming?
It is essential. But not to worry, the knowledge of advanced mathematics is not needed. Only a basic understanding of the rules of mathematics is required, such as arithmetic and logic.
In what field is Computer Programming needed as a vital skill?
With the incorporation of metaverse into our technological world, programming knowledge becomes more vital. Computer programming is a skill that is needed by the following sets of professionals;
- Computer programmers (front end or back end developers)
- Data scientists
They use advanced statistical models to understand the behaviors of users/consumers and how to reach them better. This is very important for growing businesses to reach their target population.
- Software engineers
They deal with the writing, designing, maintaining, and testing computer software to evaluate its efficiency. They often work hand-in-hand with software architects.
- Mobile developers and Information communication technology professionals
They deal with the development of smartphones that almost everybody uses today. They work with androids or iOS depending on what project they are faced with, developing and advancing them to serve consumers better.
Is Coding Still Relevant Today?
Most people do not have the simplest clue about coding, even though we depend on it in our day-to-day lives. Coding is the architect of the modern technological world, continually building and molding it to taste according to our differing needs.
Simple tasks such as commanding a washing machine to run through a cycle of wash, adding up numbers on a calculator, or more complex tasks such as computation of statistical data, editing pictures or videos are made possible through coding.
These codes are written carefully and repeatedly checked to avoid bugs or malfunction while operating them. Failure to take note of this can cause error pop-ups. This is seen in small applications or games that crash after launching them every few minutes.
How to Become a Computer Programmer?
While you can become a programmer the traditional way, you can also learn it as a hobby. There are even schools that teach coding for kids. Programming can be advantageous should you want to delve into doing what you love.
Most programmers go to a college or a university to learn computer science or any computer-related course such as mathematics or information communication technology to have background knowledge. This takes a range of about two to four years.
Because coding is primarily based on know-how and proficiency, you can also learn with virtual or face-to-face classes that run for several months or weeks. Programmers who specialize in coding for a particular field of interest, such as health or law, may have to take classes in that field to supplement their computer knowledge.
Computer programming requires patience, persistence, hard work, and practice as experience is gathered on the job.
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Superprof makes being a coder easier by linking you to an available tutor in your geographical area while both of you work around your schedules.
How can you scale through coding successfully?
While we know that learning codes isn't a walk in the park, Superprof makes it easier by hiring the best tutors from their spheres that work at your pace, providing maximum value for your money.
Few skills are needed for you to scale through coding successfully. A passion for coding and problem solving is the first step to becoming a successful programmer. If you are a person that gives up quickly or has a short attention span, then computer coding isn't for you.
Coding essentially involves going over hundreds or thousands of lines of coding to ensure accuracy and prevent bugs that might cause disruptions later for the computer software users.
Besides the skills mentioned above, you also need intuition and logical reasoning to decipher where things are going wrong. People skills are also compulsory because you need to predict how users will act and effect changes accordingly.
Different Careers as a Computer Programmer
It is true that a computer programmer scripts and debugs codes, but that is not the end of it. Other career options are embedded in computer programming.
They include but are not limited to:
- Database administration
Here, the programmer specializes in file storage and backup, including access to sensitive files and data.
- Health informatics analysis
As technology progresses, hospitals are shifting from pen and paper to computer, granting easy and fast access to patients' health records, reducing waiting time, and enhancing medical research purposes. Programmers are needed to write the codes that will make these processes easier.
- Digital marketing
Each individual that has had access to the internet leaves a digital footprint. This makes it easier for programmers to track consumers and their preferences, thereby promoting products and services for small and large business owners.
- Web and application developing
Knowing programming helps in the development of existing webs and applications. Small and large businesses need to evolve to survive. As technology is expanding, so are human needs. Internet sites and applications such as Facebook and WhatsApp are continually upgraded to accommodate consumers' tastes while avoiding extinction and driving more traffic towards them.
- Information security analysis
They encrypt sensitive documents using python, JavaScript, and other programming languages to stop hackers and non-VIPs from accessing data files above their rankings.
Salary Expectations for Computer Programmer
Programming/ coding is a lucrative career option. The average salary expectation for an entry-level coder is $50,000 to $60,000 per annum.
Listed below is the average salary expectation for each type of coder.
| Type of Coder | Average Salary Expectation per annum |
| Computer Programmers (Back end and front end developers) | $80,000 |
| Data Scientists | $100,000 |
| Software Engineers | $90,000 |
| Mobile Developers and information communication technology professionals | $100,000 |
The salary becomes higher with more experience, location, and the type of programming you major in.
What are other advantages to be gained from programming?
- Increased IQ: These days, coding is encouraged very early. There have been agitations to include coding into the curriculum for children in elementary school. Studies show that Intelligence Quotient increased as a result of coding. This has a direct positive impact on other areas of your life.
- As a programmer, you can earn good money while working at the comfort of your home and at your own pace, although meeting work deadlines. With a background in careers in law, medicine, or even architecture, coding can be very beneficial in improving life for its members.
- A programmer stays ahead of the technological curve by continually evolving and inventing new things, meeting the particular needs of consumers.
- A programmer has a sense of fulfillment while at the same time bringing ideas and vision about improving our world to life. There is a sense of satisfaction derived from knowing that your invention made life better and easier for a set of people.
- Your self-confidence is enhanced by coding. Seeing the work of your hands materialize and working in synchronization boosts confidence in your skills because you can create whatever, whenever and however you want it. You now know how it all comes together behind the scenes.
While you can specialize in different aspects of programming, it is relatively easy to learn, lucrative, and rewarding.
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