Computer Profession: The figure of the computer programmer

The Programmer, also called often with the names of developer or developer, is part of the Technical Area and, specifically, in the Development Department of IT companies that deal with the development of IT software. This professional figure operates under the directives and supervision of the Technical Manager, the Development Manager, if any, and the Project Manager.

The Programmer deals with software development using specific programming languages. It is therefore the professional figure who, starting from the specifications provided by the Software Architect and the Analyst, deals with the writing of the code necessary to create software which, depending on the specific area in which the company operates, can be a management , a website, an e-commerce platform, web and mobile applications and, more generally, any software product requested by customers. It also deals with the testing, maintenance and updating of the software developed in the company, as well as the resolution of the more complex technical problems reported by the customer and any subsequent additions or changes. Finally, it deals with the drafting of descriptive documents and reports on what is being done; for its part, it drafts the technical documentation of the programs created and prepares operating instructions for users (user manuals).

The Programmer works in close collaboration with all the other figures operating in the Technical Area during all the development phases of the projects commissioned to the company and, in particular, in the design and functional analysis phase to assess their technical feasibility. It also relates to Technical Assistance for the resolution of more complex technical problems and possibly with Application Consulting to support the training activity addressed to the customer.

In addition to technical skills, other basic skills such as a good level of general knowledge and knowledge of technical English are certainly necessary. On the personal level, on the other hand, the IT programmer must have ability to analyze and interpret the client’s needs and have a good disposition for teamwork.

Finally, this activity usually begins by working for a couple of years as a junior programmer and, subsequently, as a senior programmer: the passage of qualification is determined solely by the experience acquired and the ability to update, as well as the possession of a degree . In fact, subsequent professional outlets may be the System integrator, the Analyst programmer and the Security administrator.