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What does a computer programmer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
Quoted expert
Frank McCown Ph.D.
What does a computer programmer do

A Computer Programmer is a specialist in writing computer programs as well as mobile applications. In addition to writing and testing code written, they are responsible for installing updates for software, debugging or improving functionality, troubleshooting parts of the program that is not functioning, and rewriting code for computer programs to be compatible in different operating systems. They also work to prevent data leaks and breaches in security by identifying malicious software and building firewalls.

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Computer programmer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real computer programmer resumes:

  • Manage the entire corporate intranet and the plethora of applications and web pages that are require for daily activities.
  • Utilize proprietary software to create custom web pages using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
  • Assist with various Java web application development projects.
  • Can do C++ and a little Linux.
  • Enhance website at http: //www.aaisolutions.com, using HTML, CSS, ColdFusion, and T-SQL.
  • Develop a data transfer component extracting XML used as a data source for Internet reports create in HTML.
  • Develop intranet backbone on Linux OS using python and bash shell as well as a python builder call Zope.
  • Develop a database-driven web application using PHP and MySQL, utilize by several university departments to organize large conferences.
  • Develop the program in MATLAB.
  • Test and tune the application using debugging tools.
  • Create / modify business programs in QAD ERP system.
  • Used Kornshell to execute Perl scripts and send out automate email messages.
  • Install and configure Linux for web server and CVS version control server.
  • Integrate persistent data storage through the use of both XML and PHP/MySQL.
  • Contribute in all phases of testing, QA, deployments and support.

Computer programmer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 12% of Computer Programmers are proficient in C #, Java, and JavaScript. They’re also known for soft skills such as Detail oriented, Troubleshooting skills, and Analytical skills.

We break down the percentage of Computer Programmers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • C #, 12%

    Coded the modules like Import Manager, Mail Manager, and Order Manager using WinForms using C #.

  • Java, 9%

    Developed Oracle Java application to report application errors to Operations Center; this application was implemented in all existing Oracle applications.

  • JavaScript, 9%

    Developed and tested user-friendly navigators with the utilization of JavaScript and VB.NET.

  • Object Oriented Programming, 5%

    Learned Object Oriented Programming skills using Progress 4GL language.

  • CSS, 5%

    Created and designed programs using Python, CSS, Live Code in Linux environment.

  • Python, 5%

    Achieved collection and processing of data using Python and NCL scripts from the OCO2 satellite.

Most computer programmers use their skills in "c #," "java," and "javascript" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential computer programmer responsibilities here:

Detail oriented. The most essential soft skill for a computer programmer to carry out their responsibilities is detail oriented. This skill is important for the role because "computer programmers must closely examine the code they write because a small mistake can affect the entire computer program." Additionally, a computer programmer resume shows how their duties depend on detail oriented: "object oriented perl sql (mysql) javascript linux perl templates jquery"

Troubleshooting skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling computer programmer duties is troubleshooting skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "an important part of a programmer’s job is to check the code for errors and fix any they find." According to a computer programmer resume, here's how computer programmers can utilize troubleshooting skills in their job responsibilities: "performed computer system setups as well as any troubleshooting. "

Analytical skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of computer programmers is analytical skills. This skill is critical to many everyday computer programmer duties, as "computer programmers must understand complex instructions in order to create computer code." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "designed vba application in excel to populate development database servers with test data to support in-house development efforts. "

See the full list of computer programmer skills

The three companies that hire the most computer programmers are:

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Compare different computer programmers

Computer programmer vs. Development team member

A development team member performs various support tasks to help complete projects according to client specifications and requirements. In the information technology industry, a development team member writes codes, creates programs, implements test systems, troubleshoots issues, performs repairs and upgrades, maintains records, and presents reports to managers. In some establishments, they may also have clerical duties such as handling calls and correspondence, preparing and processing documentation, organizing files, arranging schedules, and maintaining a transparent and open communication line with staff for an efficient workflow.

We looked at the average computer programmer salary and compared it with the wages of a development team member. Generally speaking, development team members are paid $43,908 lower than computer programmers per year.Even though computer programmers and development team members are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require java, javascript, and object oriented programming in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a computer programmer are more likely to require skills like "c #," "c," "software development," and "database applications." On the other hand, a job as a development team member requires skills like "pet," "customer service," "wine," and "r." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Development team members tend to make the most money working in the finance industry, where they earn an average salary of $43,213. In contrast, computer programmers make the biggest average salary, $75,553, in the finance industry.The education levels that development team members earn slightly differ from computer programmers. In particular, development team members are 5.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a computer programmer. Additionally, they're 1.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Computer programmer vs. Software consultant

A software consultant is responsible for monitoring and maintaining the technological content and system applications of an organization, ensuring its efficiency and optimal performance. Software consultants design software systems, following clients' specifications and business needs. They must have excellent knowledge of the technology systems, programming languages, and system codes to create software processes and manage the network systems. A software consultant runs multiple diagnostic tests and creates troubleshooting reports for technical support reference.

A career as a software consultant brings a higher average salary when compared to the average annual salary of a computer programmer. In fact, software consultants salary is $17,626 higher than the salary of computer programmers per year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Computer programmers and software consultants both require similar skills like "java," "css," and "python" to carry out their responsibilities.

Each career also uses different skills, according to real computer programmer resumes. While computer programmer responsibilities can utilize skills like "c #," "javascript," "object oriented programming," and "database applications," software consultants use skills like "database," "c # .net," "architecture," and "test scripts."

Software consultants earn a higher average salary than computer programmers. But software consultants earn the highest pay in the health care industry, with an average salary of $95,230. Additionally, computer programmers earn the highest salaries in the finance with average pay of $75,553 annually.In general, software consultants achieve higher levels of education than computer programmers. They're 10.7% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 1.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for computer programmers in the next 3-5 years?

Frank McCown Ph.D.Frank McCown Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Associate Professor, Harding University

Software continues to move to mobile devices and the web and away from desktop applications. The pandemic has encouraged growth in applications that make in-person transactions go away, and that trend will likely continue. Obviously AI-enabled or assisted applications will continue to grow.

Computer programmer vs. Project developer

Project developers research aspects of each project to check that it follows all regulations and to complete the project on time and under the budget. They are responsible for overseeing various projects for their companies. They staff the project and make necessary purchases. Staffing could include hiring contractors and hiring new employees for the company. Their tasks are to report and resolve issues blocking work on project elements, develop project timeline and milestones with mitigation planning, and establish critical requirements of a project through stakeholder assessment.

An average project developer eans a higher salary compared to the average salary of computer programmers. The difference in salaries amounts to project developers earning a $18,787 higher average salary than computer programmers.By looking over several computer programmers and project developers resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "java," "javascript," and "object oriented programming." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from computer programmer resumes include skills like "c #," "c," "software development," and "database applications," whereas a project developer is more likely to list skills in "project development," "renewable energy," "project management," and "hvac. "

Project developers earn the best pay in the hospitality industry, where they command an average salary of $92,232. Computer programmers earn the highest pay from the finance industry, with an average salary of $75,553.project developers typically earn higher educational levels compared to computer programmers. Specifically, they're 8.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 1.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Computer programmer vs. Computer systems analyst

A computer systems analyst is responsible for creating and designing computer applications and network solutions to support business functions and requirements. Computer systems analysts evaluate the systems' efficiency and performance to perform configuration and improve infrastructure for smooth navigation and controls. They also assist end-users in resolving network issues, perform troubleshooting, and write resolution reports for reference and failure prevention. A computer systems analyst must have excellent technical and computer skills, especially in installing new upgrades and developing features for existing applications.

Computer systems analysts tend to earn a higher pay than computer programmers by an average of $11,676 per year.According to resumes from computer programmers and computer systems analysts, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "c #," "java," and "object oriented programming. "While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "javascript," "python," "c," and "software development" are skills that commonly show up on computer programmer resumes. On the other hand, computer systems analysts use skills like database, dod, technical support, and os on their resumes.computer systems analysts enjoy the best pay in the professional industry, with an average salary of $92,819. For comparison, computer programmers earn the highest salary in the finance industry.The average resume of computer systems analysts showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to computer programmers. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 1.8% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.1%.

Types of computer programmer

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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