A Day in the life of a Computer Operator/Programmer

Programmers write the code that tells computers what to do. System code tells a computer how to interact with its hardware.

Applications code tells a computer how to accomplish a specific task, such as word processing or spreadsheet calculating. Systems programmers must be familiar with hardware specifications, design, memory management, and structure, while applications programmers must know standard user interface protocols, data structure, program architecture, and response speed.

Programmers present different methods to the producer of the project, who chooses one direction. Then the programmer writes the code. The final stages of the project are marked by intense, isolated coding and extensive error-checking and testing for quality control. Programmers work together respectfully; they help each other when they want to. But there are no significant professional organizations which might turn this group of people into a community.

The best features of this profession are the creative outlet it provides for curious and technical minds, the pay, which can skyrocket if a product you coded is a major success, and the continuing education.

A few programmers we surveyed indicated that an aesthetic sensibility emerges at the highest levels of the profession, saying that “Reading good code is like reading a well-written book.