Occupation

Computer Programmers

Human Advantage 71%

Significant human skills needed

AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.4 / 10

Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

Also Known As: .NET Programmer, Analyst Programmer, Application Programmer, Application Programmer Analyst, Applications Programmer, Beta Tester, Bug Bounty Hunter, Business Programmer +36 more

Video

Core Tasks

  1. Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.
  2. Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.
  3. Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.
  4. Write, update, and maintain computer programs or software packages to handle specific jobs such as tracking inventory, storing or retrieving data, or controlling other equipment.
  5. Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.
  6. Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct.
  7. Prepare detailed workflow charts and diagrams that describe input, output, and logical operation, and convert them into a series of instructions coded in a computer language.
  8. Compile and write documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program.
  9. Consult with and assist computer operators or system analysts to define and resolve problems in running computer programs.
  10. Perform systems analysis and programming tasks to maintain and control the use of computer systems software as a systems programmer.
  11. Write or contribute to instructions or manuals to guide end users.
  12. Investigate whether networks, workstations, the central processing unit of the system, or peripheral equipment are responding to a program's instructions.
  13. Assign, coordinate, and review work and activities of programming personnel.

Supplemental Tasks (4)

  1. Train subordinates in programming and program coding.
  2. Develop Web sites.
  3. Train users on the use and function of computer programs.
  4. Collaborate with computer manufacturers and other users to develop new programming methods.

Education & Training

Job Zone 4 Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

Bachelor's Degree
88%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
9%
Some College Courses
3%
Master's Degree
0%

Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

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  • Ansible software
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  • Go
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  • IBM DB2
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  • Linux
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Software (294)

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  • AWK
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  • Adobe ColdFusion
  • Adobe Dreamweaver
  • Adobe Flex
  • Adobe PostScript
  • Advanced business application programming ABAP
  • Algorithmic language ALGOL
  • Amazon Kinesis
  • American National Standards Institute ANSI C
  • Apache Ant
  • Apache Groovy
  • Apache HTTP Server
  • Apache Pig
  • Apache Solr
  • Apache Struts
  • B-Method
  • Backbone.js
  • Basis BBx VisualPRO/5
  • Beginner's all-purpose symbolic instruction code BASIC
  • Bigloo Scheme
  • Bourne Shell
  • CAST SQL Builder
  • Call-processing language CPL
  • Canu
  • Citrix cloud computing software
  • Clipper
  • Code generator software
  • Code munger software
  • CoffeeCup The HTML Editor
  • Collaborative Application Markup Language CAML
  • Command interpreters
  • Common Lisp Object System CLOS
  • Common business oriented language COBOL
  • Compilers
  • Computer Associates integrated data management system CA-IDMS
  • Computer On-line Real-time Applications Language CORAL 66
  • Computer aided design and drafting CADD software
  • Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
  • Customer information control system CICS
  • Dassault Systemes CATIA
  • Data definition language DDL
  • Data manipulation language DML
  • Debugging software
  • Decompilers
  • Delphi Technology
  • Dynamic hypertext markup language DHTML
  • E++ pattern language
  • Eiffel
  • Embarcadero Delphi
  • Emerald Software Group Emerald Green Office
  • Enterprise JavaBeans
  • Event-driven State-machines Programming
  • Ext JS
  • Extensible hypertext markup language XHTML
  • Extensible stylesheet language XSL
  • FileMaker Pro
  • Formula translation/translator FORTRAN
  • Forth
  • Gambit Scheme
  • Geographic information system GIS software
  • Graphical user interface GUI design software
  • Greatis Object Inspector
  • Haskell
  • Hewlett Packard HP-UX
  • Hewlett Packard LoadRunner
  • Human resource management software HRMS
  • IBM Cognos Impromptu
  • IBM Domino
  • IBM InfoSphere DataStage
  • IBM Notes
  • IBM Power Systems software
  • IBM Rational ClearCase
  • IBM WebSphere
  • ICON programming language
  • IEA Software Emerald
  • Incremental compiler software
  • Inline code expander software
  • Integrated development environment IDE software
  • Interface definition language IDL
  • Interpreter software
  • Interstate connection ICON
  • J
  • Job control language JCL
  • Jupyter Notebook
  • Just-in-time compiler
  • KornShell
  • LAMP Stack
  • List processing language LISP
  • Logo design software
  • Low-level debugger software
  • MUMPS M
  • McAfee
  • MicroStrategy
  • Microsoft ASP.NET Core MVC
  • Microsoft ActiveX
  • Microsoft Dynamics GP
  • Microsoft ESP SDK
  • Microsoft Exchange
  • Microsoft Extensible Application Markup Language (XAML)
  • Microsoft FrontPage
  • Microsoft Publisher
  • Microsoft Silverlight
  • Microsoft Systems Management Server
  • Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition VBScript
  • Microsoft Visual Basic.NET
  • Microsoft Visual C# .NET
  • Microsoft Visual FoxPro
  • Minitab
  • Mixed code generator
  • Modula
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  • National Instruments LabVIEW
  • NetSuite ERP
  • Network intrusion prevention systems NIPS
  • Oberon
  • Objective C
  • Objective Caml
  • One pass compiler software
  • OpenAI ChatGPT
  • Operating system software
  • Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition
  • Oracle E-Business Suite Financials
  • Oracle Fusion Applications
  • Oracle Fusion Middleware
  • Oracle Hyperion
  • Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne
  • Oracle JDBC
  • Oracle PeopleSoft Financials
  • Oracle Solaris
  • Oracle WebLogic Server
  • Partial class generator software
  • Pascal
  • Perforce Helix software
  • PowerSoft PowerBuilder
  • Programming language one PL/I
  • Progress OpenEdge ABL
  • Progress Sonic ESB
  • Progress WebSpeed Workshop
  • Prolog
  • Qlik Tech QlikView
  • Quest Erwin Data Modeler
  • ReCrystallize Crystal Reports
  • Red Hat WildFly
  • Relational database management software
  • Restructured extended executor REXX
  • Retargetable compiler
  • Revision control software
  • SAP Adaptive Server Enterprise
  • SAP Business Objects
  • SAP BusinessObjects Data Integrator
  • SAP Crystal Reports
  • SAP NetWeaver BW
  • Salesforce Visualforce
  • Scheme
  • Simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis SPICE
  • Smalltalk
  • Snort
  • Source code editor software
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  • StataCorp Stata
  • String oriented symbolic language SNOBOL
  • Structured Query Report SQR
  • Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
  • Symantec Visual Cafe
  • Symbolic debugger software
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  • Ubuntu
  • Unified modeling language UML
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  • Web service definition language WDSL
  • Wireshark
  • Workflow software
  • Xerces2 Java Parser
  • dBASE Plus

Tools & Equipment (5)

  • Computer servers
  • Desktop computers
  • Mainframe computers
  • Mainframe operating systems
  • Serial port cards

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Network Systems & Cybersecurity Advanced Manufacturing

Zone 4
Computer Programmers You are here

Web & Cloud Arts, Entertainment, & Design

Zone 4
Computer Programmers You are here

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