Programmer facts for kids
.jpg)
|
|
| Occupation | |
|---|---|
| Names | Computer Programmer |
| Profession | |
|
Activity sectors
|
Information technology, Software industry |
| Description | |
| Competencies | Writing and debugging computer code |
|
Education required
|
Varies from apprenticeship to bachelor's degree, or self-taught |
A programmer is a person who writes instructions for computers. These instructions are called computer programs or source code. Programmers use special languages to tell computers what to do, step by step. It's like writing a recipe, but for a computer!
Sometimes, people who write computer programs are also called software developers or software engineers. These names often mean they do a bit more than just writing code, like designing how the software will work.
Contents
What is a Computer Programmer?
A programmer is someone who creates the detailed instructions that computers follow. These instructions make up the apps, games, and websites we use every day. Programmers need to be good at solving problems and thinking logically.
Different Kinds of Programmers
Programmers can have different job titles depending on what they focus on. For example, a web developer creates websites. An assembly programmer works with a very basic computer language.
A software developer mainly builds software based on plans. They also fix any problems, called bugs, in the code. They might also check other people's code or test the software. To become a developer, someone might study computer science or learn on their own.
A software engineer does what a developer does, plus more. They help design new features and entire applications. They also manage the whole process of making software, from planning to testing and launching. Sometimes, they lead teams of programmers.
History of Programming
The idea of programming goes back a long time! Many people believe Ada Lovelace was the first computer programmer. She was a British mathematician. In 1842, she wrote an algorithm, which is a set of steps, for a machine called the analytical engine. This machine was designed by Charles Babbage.
In 1941, a German engineer named Konrad Zuse was the first to run a program on a working electronic computer. Later, he created the first high-level programming language called Plankalkül.
The first professional computer programmers were a team of women. They worked on the ENIAC computer in 1945. These women included Kay McNulty, Betty Jennings, Betty Snyder, Marlyn Wescoff, Fran Bilas, and Ruth Lichterman.
The Software Industry Grows
The very first company made just for software was the Computer Usage Company. It started in 1955. Before that, computers were programmed by the people who bought them or by the companies that made them.
The software industry really took off in the 1960s. This happened when computers started being sold to many more people. Universities, governments, and businesses all needed software. Many programs were written by staff programmers. Some were shared for free, while others were sold.
The industry grew even more with the rise of the personal computer (PC) in the mid-1970s. PCs brought computing to offices and homes. This created a huge demand for games, apps, and other software. This meant more jobs for software developers.
What Programmers Do
Computer programmers write, test, and fix the detailed instructions for computers. They also design how computers will solve problems. New technologies and programming tools have changed how programmers work. Their job titles can vary a lot depending on the company.
Programmers work in many places. This includes company information technology (IT) departments, big software companies, and government offices. Many also work as contractors for different clients. Programming is seen as a skilled job.
The work programmers do depends on what kind of programs they are writing. For example, writing code for financial records is very different from creating a flight simulator for pilot training. Simple programs might take a few hours. Complex ones can take over a year. Often, several programmers work together as a team.
Tools for Programmers
Programmers use special tools called programming editors. These are like advanced text editors. They help programmers write the code. These editors often have features like:
- Color highlighting: Different parts of the code show up in different colors.
- Auto-complete: The editor suggests words as you type.
- Syntax check: It helps find mistakes in the code.
- Plug-ins: You can add extra tools to the editor.
These features make it easier to write, fix, and test programs.
Changes in the Job Market
The job market for programmers can change over time. In some countries, like the United States, there have been periods where fewer programming jobs were available. This was due to economic changes. Also, some companies hire programmers in other countries where wages are lower.
However, the need for software developers is still growing. These roles often require more skills than just basic programming. They involve designing and building entire applications. As of 2024, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 17% growth for software developers.
In Japan, the demand for programmers is increasing quickly. This is partly because of an aging population and a low birth rate. This means fewer young people are entering the workforce. So, Japan is using more artificial intelligence to help fill the gap. Even with many programmers, Japanese companies still need more skilled IT workers.
See also
In Spanish: Programador para niños
- List of programmers
- List of programming languages
- Software development process
- Software engineering
- Systems architect
- Video game programmer
