Tough task: A computer programmer at work

The explosive impact of computers and information technology on our everyday lives has generated a need to design and develop new computer software systems and to incorporate new technologies into a rapidly growing range of applications. The tasks performed by professionals known as computer application developers evolve quickly, reflecting new areas of specialisation or changes in technology, as well as the preferences and practices of employers. Computer programmers apply the principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis to the design, development, testing, and evaluation of the software and systems that enable computers to perform their many applications.

Application software is a subclass of computer software that employs the capabilities of a computer directly to a task that the user wishes to perform.

What do I have to do?

Computer programmers write the detailed instructions (programmes) that tell the computer what to do to perform a certain function. Software professionals working in applications or systems development analyse users? needs and design, construct, test, and maintain computer applications software or systems. Computer application professionals are more concerned with developing algorithms and analysing and solving programming problems than with actually writing code. Programmes are either tailor-made for individual users or offered as a ready-made software package, off-the-shelf programmes which perform commonly required tasks like Tally, e-Broker, LogXact etc.

Depending on the purpose of the programme, the programming languages used most often are C, C++, and Java, with Fortran and COBOL used less commonly. After coding, programmes are subjected to extensive testing or debugging to find and correct faults. Following this, the system is thoroughly tested.

Computer software programmers who are employed by software vendors and consulting firms have to travel frequently to meet customers, in businesses ranging from manufacturing plants to financial institutions.

Persons interested to become a computer programmer must have strong problem-solving, logical and analytical skills. They should also have good communication skills, both oral and written. Because they often deal with a number of tasks simultaneously, they must be able to concentrate and pay close attention to detail.

What should I study?

The best foundation for a long-term career in computer applications is a bachelors degree in computer applications (BCA) followed by a masters in computer applications (MCA). As technological advances in the computer field continue, computer application programmers must continually strive to acquire such skills if they wish to remain in this extremely dynamic field.

What next?

The projected demand for trained IT professionals is estimated at over 400,000 per year. This sector offers one of the highest remuneration packages and there is a continuous demand for people to work as managers, analysts, designers, programmers, operators and data controllers.

Demand for computer application programmes will increase as computer networking continues to grow. For example, the expanding integration of Internet technologies and the explosive growth in electronic commerce ? doing business on the Internet ? have resulted in rising demand for computer professionals who can develop the Internet, Intranet, and World Wide Web applications. Consulting opportunities for computer programmers continues to grow as businesses seek help to manage, upgrade, and customise their increasingly complicated computer systems.

Some well-known software companies that hire application programmers are Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro, IBM, HCL Technologies, etc. There are many opportunities for experienced programmers to work overseas on permanent or contract jobs.

Where to study

• Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
• Indira Gandhi National Open University (by correspondence).
• Birla Institute of Technology, Ranchi, Bihar
• University of Mumbai, Maharshtra
• Jadavpur University, Calcutta