Computer Programmers

Computer programmers write, test, and maintain the detailed directives, called programs or software, which computers must adhere to in order to perform their functions. They also formulate, devise, and test logical configurations for solving problems by computer. Many technical advances in training—newer computer technologies and refined languages and programming devices—have redefined the role of a programmer and elevated much of the programming work done today. Job titles and descriptions may vary, depending on the company.  Computer programmers have a wide range of responsibilities and educational backgrounds. 

Different languages are available for computer programmers to write code in.  Each language has its own set of rules or syntax.  Languages taught at NWSCC include COBOL, RPG, JAVA, Visual Basic, C++, HTML, Pascal, and CL.

Program development encompasses several steps. These steps are utilized in whatever language that is used to write the program and are listed below.

  1. Define the problem.  This step is completed by the Systems Analyst.
  2. Design the program.  This step is performed by both the Systems Analyst and the Programmer.
  3. Code the program.  This step is completed by the Programmer.

  4. Test and Debug the program.  This step is usually performed by either a Programmer or a Quality Assurance              Administrator, depending upon the company.

A brief overview of the languages taught at NWSCC is shown below along with an example of code from each language showing how to print the name "Northwest Shoals Community College".  The results that are obtained are shown here.

COBOL (Common Business Oriented Language) is one of the most important programming languages for business applications.  It consists of four divisions:  Identification, Environment, Data, and Procedure.  It is used on mainframes, midrange systems, and personal computer systems and is considered to be the universal language.  An example of COBOL code to print the name "Northwest Shoals Community College" is shown below.

 RPG (Report Program Generator) is a programming language that uses the fixed logic cycle.  It is typically used on IBM midrange and mainframe systems.  It consists of different specifications:  Control, File Description, Extension, Line Counter, Input, Calculation, and Output.  An example of RPG code to print the name "Northwest Shoals Community College" is shown below.

JAVA is a programming language created by Sun Microsystems.  The term JAVA is not an acronym but represents the favorite type of coffee for many programmers.  It is an object oriented programming language and is utilized a lot for web applications.  An example of JAVA code to print the name "Northwest Shoals Community College" is shown below.

public class Sample
{
        public void main( )
        {
                System.out.println("Come to Northwest Shoals Community College!");
        }
}

Visual Basic is a programming language that provides a powerful Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that allows the user to build desktop, networking, and web applications.  An example of Visual Basic code to print the name "Northwest Shoals Community College" is shown below.

Public Class Form1
    Inherits System.Windows.Forms.Form
    Private Sub Button1_Click(ByVal sender As System.Object,
                                                ByVal e As System.EventArgs) Handles Button1.Click
            MessageBox.Show("Northwest Shoals Community College!")
    End Sub
End Class
 

C++ is a programming language that supports object oriented programming.  An example of C++ code to print the name "Northwest Shoals Community College" is shown below.

#include <iostream>
void main(void)
{
        cout << "Northwest Shoals Community College!");
        system("Pause");
}

HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is a programming language that allows the user to move easily between different documents or different parts of a document.  This makes it a good language for moving around on the World Wide Web.  An example of HTML code to print the name "Northwest Shoals Community College" is shown below.

<HTML>
<HEAD><TITLE>My First Web Page</TITLE></HEAD>
<BODY>
<H1> Northwest Shoals Community College!</H1>
</BODY>
</HTML>

Pascal  is a general purpose procedural programming language that is basically used on personal computers.  An example of Pascal code to print the name "Northwest Shoals Community College" is shown below.

PROGRAM Pascalexample;
{Author     :  Teresa Roberson                                               }
{Class      :  CIS190                                                        }
{Date       :  10/22/04                                                      }
{Assignment :  Sample program to write "Northwest Shoals Community College.  }
{Purpose    :  To show the difference in syntax in different programming languages.  }
BEGIN
  writeln('Northwest Shoals Community College'};
  readln
END.

CL (Control Language) is a programming language that is used in conjunction with COBOL or RPG, or another language.  It is usually utilized to call or pass control to other programs.  It is very often used to design menus.  An example of CL code to print the name "Northwest Shoals Community College" is shown below.

For more information about computer programmers, you can select the following links.

U. S. Department of Labor

Occupational Outlook for Programmers