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Career Details

15-1251.00 - Computer Programmers


Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.


Key Facts
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Bright Outlook
Career Details
Green Job
Career Details
Current Employment
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Forecasted Employment
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Tasks
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Tasks
The tasks listed below can be performed to prepare you for a career in this field.
Core
  • Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.
  • Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct.
  • Compile and write documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program.
  • Write, update, and maintain computer programs or software packages to handle specific jobs such as tracking inventory, storing or retrieving data, or controlling other equipment.
  • Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.
  • Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.
  • Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.
  • Write or contribute to instructions or manuals to guide end users.
  • Investigate whether networks, workstations, the central processing unit of the system, or peripheral equipment are responding to a program's instructions.
  • Prepare detailed workflow charts and diagrams that describe input, output, and logical operation, and convert them into a series of instructions coded in a computer language.
  • Perform systems analysis and programming tasks to maintain and control the use of computer systems software as a systems programmer.
  • Consult with and assist computer operators or system analysts to define and resolve problems in running computer programs.
  • Assign, coordinate, and review work and activities of programming personnel.
Supplemental
  • Collaborate with computer manufacturers and other users to develop new programming methods.
  • Train subordinates in programming and program coding.
  • Develop Web sites.
  • Train users on the use and function of computer programs.
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Knowledge
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Knowledge

The items listed below are organized into sections that contain knowledge useful for pursuing a career in this field. Each section also contains a "Percentage of Importance" statistic that shows how relevant an item is to the occupation.
 Computers and Electronics
  • 97%
    Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
 Mathematics
  • 71%
    Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
 Engineering and Technology
  • 69%
    Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
 English Language
  • 68%
    Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
 Customer and Personal Service
  • 66%
    Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
 Administration and Management
  • 65%
    Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
 Design
  • 58%
    Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
 Education and Training
  • 56%
    Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
 Geography
  • 55%
    Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
 Clerical
  • 55%
    Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
 Production and Processing
  • 51%
    Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Tools
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Tools
The tools listed below include machines, equipment, tools, and software that is useful for individuals who are interested in this career.
 Computers
  • Computer servers
  • Desktop computers
  • Mainframe computers
  • Mainframe operating systems
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Technology
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Technology
The technologies listed below include machines, equipment, tools, and software that is useful for individuals who are interested in this career.
 Development software
  • A programming language APL
  • ABC Compiler
  • ABC: the AspectBench Compiler for AspectJ
  • Ada
  • Adobe Systems Adobe ActionScript
  • Adobe Systems Adobe ColdFusion
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Flex
  • Adobe Systems Adobe PostScript
  • Advanced business application programming ABAPHOT
  • AJAXHOT
  • Algorithmic language ALGOL
  • American National Standards Institute ANSI C
  • Apache AntHOT
  • Apache GroovyHOT
  • Apache KafkaHOT
  • Apache Maven
  • Apache SparkHOT
  • Apache StrutsHOT
  • Apache TomcatHOT
  • Assembler
  • Atlassian BambooHOT
  • AWK
  • B-Method
  • Backbone.jsHOT
  • Basis BBx VisualPRO/5
  • Beginner's all-purpose symbolic instruction code BASIC
  • Bigloo Scheme
  • C
  • C#HOT
  • C++HOT
  • Call-processing language CPL
  • Cascading Style Sheets CSSHOT
  • Chef
  • Clipper
  • Code generator software
  • Code munger software
  • Collaborative Application Markup Language CAML
  • Command interpreters
  • Common business oriented language COBOLHOT
  • Common Lisp Object System CLOS
  • Compilers
  • Computer On-line Real-time Applications Language CORAL 66
  • Debugging software
  • Decompilers
  • DjangoHOT
  • DrupalHOT
  • Dynamic hypertext markup language DHTML
  • E++ pattern language
  • Eclipse IDEHOT
  • Eiffel
  • Embarcadero Delphi
  • Enterprise JavaBeans
  • Event-driven State-machines Programming
  • Ext JS
  • Extensible HyperText Markup Language XHTML
  • Extensible markup language XMLHOT
  • Extensible stylesheet language XSL
  • Formula translation/translator FORTRAN
  • Forth
  • Gambit Scheme
  • GoHOT
  • Google AngularJSHOT
  • Graphical user interfaces GUI
  • Greatis Object Inspector
  • Haskell
  • Hewlett Packard LoadRunner
  • Hypertext markup language HTMLHOT
  • IBM InfoSphere DataStage
  • IBM Rational ClearCase
  • IBM WebSphereHOT
  • ICON programming language
  • Incremental compiler software
  • Inline code expander software
  • Integrated development environment IDE softwareHOT
  • Interface definition language IDL
  • Interpreter software
  • Interstate connection ICON
  • J
  • JavaScriptHOT
  • JavaScript Object Notation JSONHOT
  • jQueryHOT
  • JUnitHOT
  • Jupyter Notebook
  • Just-in-time compiler
  • LAMP Stack
  • List processing language LISP
  • Logo
  • Low-level debugger software
  • Microsoft .NET FrameworkHOT
  • Microsoft Active Server Pages ASPHOT
  • Microsoft ActiveX
  • Microsoft ASP.NETHOT
  • Microsoft ASP.NET Core MVCHOT
  • Microsoft AzureHOT
  • Microsoft ESP SDK
  • Microsoft Extensible Application Markup Language (XAML)
  • Microsoft PowerShellHOT
  • Microsoft Silverlight
  • Microsoft SQL Server Integration Services SSISHOT
  • Microsoft Visual BasicHOT
  • Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBAHOT
  • Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition VBScriptHOT
  • Microsoft Visual Basic.NET
  • Microsoft Visual C#
  • Microsoft Visual C# .NET
  • Microsoft Visual StudioHOT
  • Mixed code generator
  • Modula
  • MUMPS M
  • National Instruments LabVIEWHOT
  • Node.jsHOT
  • Oberon
  • Objective CHOT
  • Objective Caml
  • One pass compiler software
  • Oracle Fusion MiddlewareHOT
  • Oracle JavaHOT
  • Oracle JavaServer Pages JSPHOT
  • Partial class generator software
  • Pascal
  • Perforce Helix software
  • PHP: Hypertext PreprocessorHOT
  • PowerSoft PowerBuilder
  • Practical extraction and reporting language PerlHOT
  • Programming language one PL/I
  • Progress OpenEdge ABL
  • Progress Sonic ESB
  • Progress WebSpeed Workshop
  • Prolog
  • PuppetHOT
  • PythonHOT
  • RHOT
  • ReactHOT
  • Restructured extended executor REXX
  • Retargetable compiler
  • Revision control software
  • RubyHOT
  • Ruby on RailsHOT
  • Salesforce VisualforceHOT
  • SAP BusinessObjects Data Integrator
  • SAP NetWeaver BW
  • ScalaHOT
  • Scheme
  • SeleniumHOT
  • Self
  • Smalltalk
  • Source code editor software
  • Source code migration software
  • Spring FrameworkHOT
  • Stage compiler
  • String oriented symbolic language SNOBOL
  • SwiftHOT
  • Symantec Visual Cafe
  • Symbolic debugger software
  • Threaded code compiler
  • Tier generator software
  • Unified modeling language UMLHOT
  • Verilog
  • VMWareHOT
  • Web service definition language WDSL
  • Xerces2 Java Parser
 Content management software
  • Adobe Systems Adobe AcrobatHOT
  • Apache Subversion SVNHOT
  • Atlassian JIRAHOT
  • Emerald Software Group Emerald Green Office
  • GitHOT
  • Virage VS Archive
  • Workflow software
 Content authoring and editing software
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Dreamweaver
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Fireworks
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Flash
  • Adobe Systems Adobe IllustratorHOT
  • Adobe Systems Adobe PhotoshopHOT
  • CoffeeCup The HTML Editor
  • Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
  • Microsoft ExcelHOT
  • Microsoft FrontPage
  • Microsoft PowerPointHOT
  • Microsoft Publisher
  • Microsoft VisioHOT
  • Microsoft WordHOT
 Data management and query software
  • Amazon DynamoDBHOT
  • Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud EC2HOT
  • Amazon Kinesis
  • Amazon RedshiftHOT
  • Amazon Web Services AWS softwareHOT
  • Apache CassandraHOT
  • Apache HadoopHOT
  • Apache HiveHOT
  • Apache HTTP ServerHOT
  • Apache PigHOT
  • Apache SolrHOT
  • CA Erwin Data Modeler
  • CAST SQL Builder
  • Computer Associates integrated data management system CA-IDMS
  • Customer information control system CICS
  • Data definition language DDL
  • Data entry softwareHOT
  • Data manipulation language DML
  • dBASE Plus
  • ElasticsearchHOT
  • FileMaker Pro
  • Google AnalyticsHOT
  • Hibernate ORM
  • IBM Cognos ImpromptuHOT
  • IBM DB2
  • IEA Software Emerald
  • Microsoft AccessHOT
  • Microsoft SQL ServerHOT
  • Microsoft SQL Server Reporting ServicesHOT
  • Microsoft Visual FoxPro
  • MicroStrategyHOT
  • MongoDBHOT
  • MySQLHOT
  • NoSQLHOT
  • Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise EditionHOT
  • Oracle JDBCHOT
  • Oracle PL/SQLHOT
  • Oracle softwareHOT
  • PostgreSQLHOT
  • Qlik Tech QlikViewHOT
  • ReCrystallize Crystal Reports
  • Relational database management softwareHOT
  • SAP Adaptive Server Enterprise
  • SAP Crystal ReportsHOT
  • Structured query language SQLHOT
  • Structured Query Report SQR
  • TableauHOT
  • Teradata DatabaseHOT
  • Transact-SQLHOT
 Networking software
  • Amazon Simple Storage Service S3HOT
  • Amazon Web Services AWS CloudFormationHOT
  • CitrixHOT
  • IBM Domino
 Business function specific software
  • Ansible softwareHOT
  • ConfluenceHOT
  • Human resource management software HRMS
  • Microsoft OfficeHOT
  • Microsoft ProjectHOT
  • Microsoft SharePointHOT
 Operating environment software
  • BashHOT
  • Bourne Shell
  • Hewlett Packard HP-UX
  • Job control language JCL
  • KornShell
  • LinuxHOT
  • Microsoft WindowsHOT
  • Microsoft Windows ServerHOT
  • Oracle SolarisHOT
  • Red Hat Enterprise LinuxHOT
  • Shell scriptHOT
  • Ubuntu
  • UNIXHOT
  • UNIX ShellHOT
 Industry specific software
  • Bentley MicroStationHOT
  • Computer aided design and drafting CADD softwareHOT
  • Dassault Systemes CATIAHOT
  • Epic SystemsHOT
  • IBM SPSS StatisticsHOT
  • MinitabHOT
  • SASHOT
  • Simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis SPICE
  • StataCorp Stata
  • Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA softwareHOT
  • The MathWorks MATLABHOT
 Finance accounting and enterprise resource planning ERP software
  • Delphi Technology
  • Microsoft DynamicsHOT
  • Microsoft Dynamics GPHOT
  • NetSuite ERPHOT
  • Oracle E-Business Suite Financials
  • Oracle Fusion ApplicationsHOT
  • Oracle HyperionHOT
  • Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOneHOT
  • Oracle PeopleSoftHOT
  • Oracle PeopleSoft FinancialsHOT
  • SAPHOT
  • SAP Business ObjectsHOT
  • Tax software
 Network applications software
  • DockerHOT
  • GitHubHOT
  • Oracle WebLogic ServerHOT
  • Red Hat OpenShiftHOT
  • Red Hat WildFlyHOT
  • Spring BootHOT
 Information exchange software
  • ESRI ArcGIS softwareHOT
  • Geographic information system GIS softwareHOT
  • IBM NotesHOT
  • Microsoft ExchangeHOT
 System management software
  • IBM Power Systems software
  • Microsoft Systems Management Server
  • Splunk EnterpriseHOT
 Security and protection software
  • McAfee
  • Virtual private networking VPN softwareHOT
 Network management software
  • NagiosHOT
  • Network intrusion prevention systems NIPS
  • Snort
  • WiresharkHOT
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Certifications
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Certifications
The certifications listed below are useful to pursue if you are interested in a career in this field.
No specific certifications are listed for this career
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Licensing
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Licensing
The licensing information below is organized into sections and is useful for pursuing if you are interested in a career in this field.
No specific licensing information is listed for this occupation in the area you have selected.
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Related Programs
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Online Programs related to this career, offered by participating institution(s), are listed below.

Clicking on the Degree programs in the list below will take you away from the Careers page.
INSTITUTION
PROGRAMS
Brightpoint Community College
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College
Laurel Ridge Community College
New River Community College
Northern Virginia Community College
Paul D. Camp Community College
Tidewater Community College
Virginia Peninsula Community College
Virginia Western Community College
Wytheville Community College