Programmer

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.