What does it mean to be a programmer

Programmers are specialists in the field of computer technology, modern software, automation of production and other processes. A programmer is a profession of a person who is engaged in programming. A programmer develops algorithms and programs based on mathematical models.

Now the profession of a programmer is considered predominantly male, but the first person to create a computer program was a woman – Ada Lovelace. It happened in the 30s of the twentieth century, when Charles Babbage created the prototype of the modern computer. The analytical engine he designed could perform only elementary arithmetic operations, it was huge and outwardly little reminiscent of a modern computer.

In the 40s of the XX century. Thanks to John von Neumann, the first digital electronic computer was born. For her, I had to write very detailed, describing each step of the program. The advent of algorithmic programming languages has greatly simplified this process. Nowadays, programming is developing rapidly.

What does a programmer do

The concept of “programmer” is quite broad, it can include all IT specialists who can write code. Another question is that not all IT specialists are engaged in software development, but they still remain programmers.

“Classic” programmers write codes in different programming languages: Python, Java, PHP, C, JavaScript and many others. They can create PC programs, applications, games, and even algorithms for microwave ovens. It all depends on the direction in which the pro works.

Programmers are divided into several types: system, application and web programmers.

Application programmers write programs and applications: games, office applications, and more;
System programmers create operating systems (such as Android or iOS);
Web programmers develop websites and programs that make these web pages work.

By the way, professionals of all directions are in great demand. At the moment, there is a severe shortage of IT personnel in the world: according to the Ministry of Digital Development, only in Russia the shortage of programmers ranges from 500 thousand to a million people, and in six years their number may increase to two million.

Can you imagine how many IT specialists are missing all over the world? For you, this is a definite plus of the profession of a programmer. This means that the “golden age” of IT will continue for a very long time. Therefore, the child will never be left without work.

Irreplaceable pros

The main plus is that programmers are needed in absolutely all industries. Today, in the age of digitalization, it is difficult to imagine even a small business without IT specialists. Otherwise, the work of the company can completely stop and the organization will suffer huge losses. In addition, the IT-sphere is very wide, there are many professions in it. We can say that almost everyone can choose the direction in which they can apply themselves.

Profession of the future

We have already noted that the shortage of IT personnel is great, so the “golden age” of IT will last for a long time. There is another factor that makes the programmer the pro of the future: technology does not stand still. While the level of shortage of personnel will decrease, new IT-directions and professions will appear.

And this means that even more specialists will be needed! It turns out that IT specialists will be in demand until global automation of all processes occurs. And before that it is very far away. Why?

Because with all the availability and variety of tools, any program, code or the simplest CMS requires the finest work. This can be compared with the production of aircraft: it would seem that with an abundance of experience and technology, they can be automatically built in factories.

However, in the 21st century, not a single aircraft is made without human participation. Why? Because it is a complex system that needs “manual work”. It’s the same with IT: some processes can be automated, but complex products will always be under the control of strong programmers.

However, in the work of IT specialists there are still minuses, albeit fading before the pluses. Here they are:

Sedentary work

The profession of a programmer requires perseverance, perseverance and constant updating of knowledge. Since all the work is connected with the PC, the programmer will have to spend a lot of time at the computer.

How to solve the problem: strike a balance between work and life. Move more, exercise and give your eyes a rest.

High competition

Today, more and more people are striving to get into IT. Consequently, competition in the market is also high, although there is a shortage of personnel.

How to solve the problem: become a strong pro. Learning to program from childhood, by the way, like nothing contributes to this. Demanded and strong programmers will not even have to look for a job: headhunters will hunt for them themselves.

Constant study

The IT-sphere is very volatile: changes occur every day. This leads to the fact that it will not be possible to learn once and forget about studying – a programmer needs to constantly improve competencies.

How to solve the problem: promptly follow all the updates in your area, so as not to “grow the flywheel”. However, for a truly strong and enthusiastic pro, constant learning is not a minus: he himself is interested in constantly developing himself.