The Life Of a Programmer

Did you know that some of the most influential people in the world have been programmers? While Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg have made their fair share of headlines, some programmers like Larry Page and Alan Turing have paved the way for major technological breakthroughs. This gives us a glimpse into the life of a programmer.

The former is the co-founder of Google who created the PageRank search engine algorithm. Every time you couldn’t remember something and had to google it (like your favorite pasta recipe) or cheat on the crossword (you know you’ve done it), you can thank Larry Page! Alan Turing, on the other hand, is a WWII hero and birthed modern-day computing with the invention of the Turing Machine which simulates algorithms.

Can you imagine where we would be today without these programmers?

The world would look very different, because programmers are the underdogs responsible for creating impeccable social impact, without getting much of the credit. They are crucial to the digital economy today and in the post-pandemic world, there is an even greater demand for them. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the prospects for programmers are only going to increase in the near future.

We know that programmers write code for mobile and web applications and even computer programs, but they do more than just that. A large part of their skill set is dedicated to maintaining, debugging, and troubleshooting systems and software to make sure that all programs are running smoothly.

Programming skills are very useful for software and development jobs as well, and perfect for securing an entry-level job in the IT industry. Eventually, you can work your way up to more specialized fields in programming and secure a higher-paying job. This includes computer systems analysts, hardware engineers, web designers, software developers, database administrators, security analysts, and more.

Despite their pivotal role in changing the tech landscape as we know it, we know very little about the life of a programmer. Do they work hard, play hard, or do they lead monotonous lives? What does it take to become a successful programmer? How do programmers become successful? What does a day in the life of a programmer look like?

Here’s everything you need to know about the life as a programmer.

Programmers do more than just coding

While coding is an integral role for programmers and developers, their job description includes a whole lot more than just writing codes all day long. They also spend time solving problems like identifying and resolving bugs in the code. They’re constantly thinking of ways to upgrade an application or any particular section to make it more appealing, or easier to use.

Once they solve the problem, they need to translate it into the coding language, and this is no easy process. It requires a lot of research and iteration to run the code and fix it as needed. So, in a way, they spend more time researching, testing, and thinking than they spend on writing the code.

They start their day off just like you

Programmers begin their day with a hot cup of coffee or tea and by checking their emails. They get back to their teammates and jot their tasks for the day, just like a regular worker. While they start their day just like us, the rest of their day is spent looking for solutions to complex problems.

They code for fun too

Most programmers think of coding as a way of life. They don’t do it just for their jobs but for many of them, it started as a hobby. They create and develop applications in their free time as well to keep their skills sharp, improve their ability to think critically and find new ways of being creative.

They always remain students

Life as a programmer is accepting and living life like a student throughout. They constantly study their tech language and the emerging trends in their field because they want to stay up to date with the framework. Their passion for coding makes this process of constantly learning new things even more fun.

Moreover, the tech industry is very dynamic, and to keep up with it, a programmer has to brush up their skills continuously. They check up on the latest releases and versions of the software and their respective niche. It’s imperative not just to stay relevant but ahead of the curve.

What does a workday in the life of a programmer entail?

If you want to kick off a career in the tech industry, becoming a computer programmer could be the right choice for you.

On a typical day, you will have to look at several coding projects, which means you should brush up on the most important programming languages.

According to a developer survey by Stack Overflow, the languages most in-demand include JavaScript, HTML/CSS, SQL, Python, and Java.

See Also: Top 5 Tech Recruitment Challenges (and How to Overcome Them)

Here are some of the everyday tasks programmers have to perform:

1. Writing code for numerous programs and testing it

A common misconception is that programmers like to work alone. However, depending on their projects, they have to collaborate with other developers to create more programs and mobile applications. They also have to wear multiple hats and adopt other roles such as that of a web designer. This allows them to be a part of the creative process where they assess the aesthetic and user experience of a program before running it.

They have to ideate, research, and implement logical problem-solving skills to write the most functional and user-friendly codes.

2. Ensuring existing programs are updated

As a programmer, you have to update the software by either fixing any bugs, making them more functional and improving the user experience. While sometimes the updates can be simple, at other times, they can be incredibly complex and take even months to accomplish.

3. Looking for bugs and fixing them

Often programmers are required to troubleshoot some parts of the website or program that may not function properly. This usually occurs because of faulty code and a programmer has to be able to think quickly on their feet to identify the mistake and fix it.

4. Optimizing programs for other operating systems

Part of being a programmer means you have to rewrite the code in another language so that the app or program is compatible with another or all operating systems. Many now prefer to learn SaaS code to write applications since this works on both Windows and OS X.

5. Preparing for cybersecurity threats

Several programmers prefer to specialize in the cybersecurity field where they are expected to rule out faulty software and fix it so it’s not vulnerable to hackers. They also write code that acts as a preventative measure for breaches of security and data leaks.

These types of programmers are high in demand because the frequency and intensity of cyberattacks are increasing. A digital transformation calls for greater information security experts, including programmers and cybersecurity analysts.

If you are a programmer looking to get hired at leading tech companies across the U.S., have a look at our job board and apply away. Our talent advocates at Arthur Lawrence will get in touch with you and advise you on the recruitment process.  

If you are an employer, we help you find the best tech recruits including programmers and developers. Get in touch with us today.