What Does Programmer Mean?
A programmer is an individual that writes/creates computer software or applications by giving the computer specific programming instructions. Most programmers have a broad computing and coding background across multiple programming languages and platforms, including Structured Query Language (SQL), Perl, Extensible Markup Language (XML), PHP, HTML, C, C++ and Java.
A programmer also may specialize in one or more computing fields, like database, security or software/firmware/mobile/Web development. These individuals are instrumental to the development of computer technology and the field of computing.
Techopedia Explains Programmer
A programmer may work in a variety of settings, ranging from small firms to large IT companies, and be involved in any of the components related to system programming, including:
- System conception and design
- System development
- Writing code
- Testing
- Debugging
- Implementation
- Maintenance
- System instructions or programs
A programmer works according to the specifications provided by a systems analyst or senior programmer. After completing a program design, a programmer converts the design into a series of codes or instructions that the computer can run and execute, making use of a specific programming language and required platforms. After converting the design to code, a programmer runs the code and looks for bugs and errors. If a programmer finds code errors, appropriate corrections are applied, and the program is re-run. The programmer tries to perfect the code through a process of trial and error until reaching an acceptable error level and continues this process throughout the life of a program, as software and programs are never truly perfect or finished.
