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Essay / Computer Programming - 903
Computer ProgrammingChoosing to research a career can be a little easier to do when you have some general knowledge of a particular field of work. There are many different types of jobs one can decide to pursue, one of which is the most popular industry today: computer programming. Although this type of work may seem a bit tedious, it can be enjoyable for people with a lot of patience and willingness to do long, tedious work. Most programmers at large companies work in teams, with each person focusing on a specific aspect of the overall project (AOL). Programmers write detailed instructions that a computer must follow. A computer programmer carefully studies which program best meets the employer's needs. They may also work for a large IT company developing new software and/or improving older versions of these programs. Programmers write specific programs by breaking down each step into a logical series of program writing hours that the programmer must follow. After long hours of writing programs, the programmer must test and revise them thoroughly. Typically, programmers create software by following a basic step-by-step development process: (1) Define the scope of the program by describing exactly what the program will do. (2) Plan the sequence of computer operations, usually by developing a flowchart (a diagram showing the order of computer actions and the flow of data). (3) Write code – program instructions coded in a particular programming language. (4) Test the program. (5) Debug the program (eliminate problems in the program logic and correct incorrect use of the programming language). (6) Submit the program for beta testing, in which users test the program thoroughly under real-world conditions to see if it works properly (AOL) Programmers are grouped into two types: Application programmers and systems programmers . These programmers write the software that turns a basic machine into a personal tool that is not only useful for increasing productivity but is also fun and entertaining for the user. Application programmers write commercial programs for use in businesses, scientific research centers, and homes. Systems programmers write the complex programs that control the internal workings of the computer. Application programmers primarily focus on business, engineering, or scientific tasks, such as writing a program to direct a missile's guidance system toward its target (Information Finder). A systems programmer manages the software that controls the operation of the entire computer system. They make changes to the instructions that control the central processing unit, which in turn control the computer hardware itself (FL View #475). They also help application programmers determine the source of problems that may be occurring with their programs..