How a Computer Programmer Works

Computer programmers play a very significant role in the Information Technology sector.  They are those who write, test, and maintain the detailed instructions, called programs that computers follow to perform their functions. In general, these programs performing a specific task are called software. Software has two major types, application software such as word processors, and system software such as operating systems.

The term programmer may be often referred to by the language they know, e.g. as Java programmers, or by the type of function they perform or environment in which they work: for example, database programmers, mainframe programmers, or Web developers. People who work as software developers, software engineers, computer scientists, or software analysts are not programmers. Instead, these specializations typically refer to individuals possessing programming skills as well as other software engineering skills. Programmers' tasks are dependent according to the specifications given by computer software engineers and systems analysts.

There are various programming languages used by programmers.  These programming languages are used, depending on the purpose of the program. For instance COBOL, this programming language is commonly used for business applications which are run on mainframe and midrange computers. Another language commonly used is Fortran which is commonly applied in science and engineering. C++ language is used extensively for both scientific and business applications. Java, C# and PHP languages are very popular and commonly used for Web and business applications.