The rapid spread of computers in today's society has bought forth the demand for more people to build, write programs for, and repair computers. Computer engineers do the building while computer analysts do the repairs, but the ones that write the programs for these machines are computer programmers.

Computer programmers write, code, test, and debug detailed instructions for the computer known as programs. Programs list in a logical order the steps a computer must execute to perform their function. Programmers often are categorized as technicians. However, many technical innovations in programming such as advanced computing technologies, sophisticated new languages, and programming tools, have cahnged the role of a programmer and elevated much of the programming work done today. It is b

Schmidt, Peggy. Careers Without College-Computers. Princeton: Peterson's, 1992

Benefits in the computer-programming field can be generous. They include health, dental, disability, and life insurance, all partially or fully paid by the company. Stock options are often available. Vacation policies can vary widely, but in most companies employees receive at least two week per year. Companies keep an eye on each other to see what is being offered in benefits, which can add up to a substantial amount of money. A basic figure often used is 30 percent of base salary.

Beginning programmers may work alone on simple assignments after some initial instruction, or on a team with more experienced programmers. Either way, beginning programmers generally must work under close supervision. Because technology changes so rapidly, programmers must continuously update their training by taking courses sponsored by their employer or software vendors. ( Southworth 127)

University of Illinois. " Student Handbook" Internet- (www.uiuc.ed)

Although simple programs can be written in a few hours, programs that use complex mathematical formulas, whose solutions can only be approximated, or that draw data from many existing systems, require more than a year of work. In most cases, several programmers work together as a team under a senior programmer's supervision.

Technical or professional certification is becoming more common as a way for employers to ensure a level of competency or quality in all areas. Many product vendors offer certification or may even require certification of technicians and professionals who work with their products. The number of voluntary certificates or certification programs is also growing and this type of certification is available through organizations such as the Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP). ICCP confers the designation Certified Computing Professional (CCP) to those who have at least four years of experience or two years of experience and a college degree. To qualify, individuals must pass a core examination plus exams in two specialty areas, or an exam in one specialty area and two computing languages. Those with little or no experience may be tested for certification as an Associate Computer Professional (ACP). Certification is not mandatory, but it may give a job-seeker a competitive advantage. ( Southworth 127 )

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