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Computer Programming

I’ve always been interested in computer programming. The idea of creating something

from scratch has always been intriguing to me. Furthermore, in a economy that proves to be

unstable, the need for computer programmers ensures a stable future. I know that it is a

challenging field, but that makes it even more lucrative. The feeling of overcoming a difficult

challenge to create something spectacular must be phenomenal. For this reason, I chose to learn

more about computer programming, and you can too. Read this paper, and come with me on a

journey to explore just how to become a computer programmer, learn what they do, and how it

can benefit our world.

Programming computers is problem solving oriented, requiring broad knowledge. Wang,

Xiao-Ming, and Gwo-Jen Hwang did a study on this and stated, “Scholars have indicated that

computer programming is a problem-solving task that usually involves some semantically rich

areas, meaning that it requires a great amount of domain knowledge and expertise to complete a

task.” This means that Each task that a programmer completes will require problem solving

skills, as well as broad knowledge on how to program. Essentially, they need to be able to solve

several different issues that come up, requiring them to be well educated on the entirety of

programming. Unique issues may be presented when programming something, so having these

two skills will ensure that an issue that comes up will not be a roadblock.

Computer programmers are also educated to retain a basic knowledge of computers along

with how to deal with practical problems. Within the study, Wang, Xiao-Ming, and Gwo-Jen

Hwang also found that, “In computer science courses, students are required to learn not only the
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basic knowledge of computers, but also the skills of using computers to deal with practical

problems, such as the operation of computer application software and the development of

computer programs.” To be a programmer, you have to know how to work a computer at a basic

level, on top of being able to code, operate software, and perform common tasks. This is

important, as computer programming is not only complex issues. Understanding computers on a

basic level is essential along with being able to deal with complicated problems.

The complexity of programming is well compensated for. Dennis McCafferty did a

survey on the top 10 highest paying tech companies and found that on average, they make over

$130,000 a year starting salary. Furthermore, Of those ten companies, all of them are described

as having a positive work environment. McCafferty also asked I.T. pros at each of the companies

what the work conditions were like. They described that they were stable, low stress, lateral, and

honest. Furthermore, most of them also stated that there are excellent benefits such as snacks, a

benefits package, and good stock rewards. Not only is the pay good, but so are the work

conditions. Furthermore, on top of that you also receive excellent benefits. The work you do is

equally compensated for by these things.

Well how do you become one? There are traditional and nontraditional ways of becoming

a computer programmer. An article published by the college of St. Scholastica describes these

two pathways. The primary traditional pathway starts with an undergraduate degree in computer

science. This is usually coupled with intern experience. Non Traditional routes include attending

coding boot camps, and using online resources that teach you how to program. Earning a

computer science degree is the most reliable way, but it is not the only way. During your pursuit

to become a computer programmer, you are not limited to going to college. It is important to
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realize that you have options that you can explore.

Both routes to becoming a computer programmer are viable, but employers usually look

for a formal education. The article also mentioned that, “Of the 193,616 job listings, 93%

required at least a bachelor's degree. The most commonly sought degrees included computer

science , and management of information systems.” Though the self teaching route is definitely a

possibility, it will be easier to find a job if you went through school. When deciding which path

to take, it is critical to understand that going to college typically works better than choosing not

to.

You should set a goal after choosing what route is best for you. Idris Azeez, an

experienced programmer, explained this on a blog he wrote. He claimed, “First and foremost is

to have a clear and ambitious reason for why you want to become a computer programmer. I

have seen a number of people who have stopped programming simply because they heard or felt

that it was too hard to continue, but if you have a strong “why”, it is easier to keep pushing than

to simply give up when you face an obstacle.” If you have a clear reason as to why you want to

enter into the field of computer programming, when the going gets rough, you will have a

purpose as to why you want to push through the challenges that are in front of you.

What is a good purpose? Azeez also described discouraging purposes that he saw led

people to giving up prematurely. Those are as follows: “I want to become a programmer to make

money,” or “I want to be a developer to create apps.” He also mentions that google's purpose

wasn’t to make a ton of many, but to connect the world with the information they need in the

best way possible. So if you wanted to create an app, don’t do so just because. Figure out what

you want this app to do, more specifically, how you want it to help people. This could apply to
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anything in the realm of computer programming. Work at a data security company to protect

people's information, not just because it pays well. Once again, finding a good purpose will keep

you motivated in school and in your career.

Well what exactly do computer programmers do? Callie Malvik from Rasmussen college

explained what they do. She said, “Depending on the company where they work, a [computer

programmer] will analyze the needs of the user and then create, test and develop software that

will solve a problem, provide entertainment or simply make their life easier for that target

market.” On a basic level, computer programmes write a code which tells the computer to do

something. The computer completes this task specific to your desired goal. Essentially, You are a

writing a guide for the computer to follow.

There are multiple ways that computer programming can benefit our world. Briana

Flavin outlayed several in an article she wrote for Rasmussen college. Accelerating healthcare

progress, furthering education, and expanding communication were just a few. She exclaimed

that Within healthcare, “Data science and artificial intelligence as subjects of computer science

allow people and organizations to accelerate and pre-package thought.” This basically means that

using programming and analytics healthcare researchers can discover patterns that can predict

outcomes. This allows healthcare professionals to be more accurate, and come to better

conclusions along with making it easier to do so. She also state that Within education,

“E-learning platforms and applications give students new tools to problem solve and study,

which has changed the academic world.” Examples of these tools include online classes, research

resources on the cloud, and online test taking services. All of these tools make students lives

easier, and make it easier to access information. Without it we would still be opening books in
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classes instead of viewing powerpoint slides, or writing on pen and paper instead of just opening

a google doc. Computer programming has significantly benefited education. Finally, she

affirmed that within communication, “Computer science has made the whole world a very small

place-available at your fingertips now.” Relations with people across the country or even the

world are now possible. Social media has expanded your reach and how far you can carry your

influence. Data sharing is basically limitless thanks to computer programming.

How much computer programming improves our lives is a great reason to choose it as a

field. Manonit Nand, a system administrator for Mayoor School said, “Computer science is a

noble profession without which today’s world would come to a halt. When it comes to finding a

career that allows you to positively benefit the world around you, look no further than computer

science.” Of all the reasons you could possibly go into computer programming, whether it be the

pay, the good work conditions, the ability to create something, the challenge of problem solving,

or the lucrativity of its future, this is perhaps the most enticing. The idea that what you are doing

has a significant impact on the world is something that is hard to resist. Computer programming

may be a difficult skill, the ideas and concepts are challenging to learn, and you will often run

into difficult and frustrating issues, but the impact that you can have far outweighs the turmoils

you may face along the way.

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Works Cited

Brianna Flavin .“8 Surprising Ways Computer Science Benefits Society [2018 & Beyond].”

www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/technology/blog/ways-computer-science-benefits-society/.

Accessed 2/20/19

Wang, Xiao-Ming, and Gwo-Jen Hwang. “A Problem Posing-Based Practicing Strategy for

Facilitating Students’ Computer Programming Skills in the Team-Based Learning

Mode.” ​Educational Technology Research & Development,​ vol. 65, no. 6, Dec. 2017, pp.

1655–1671. ​EBSCOhost​, doi:10.1007/s11423-017-9551-0. Accessed 2/20/19

McCafferty, Dennis. “Companies Offering Top Pay for Software Engineers.” ​Baseline​, Nov.

2013, p. 1. ​EBSCOhost​,

search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=buh&AN=92698047&site=ehost-live.

Accessed 2/20/19

Scholastica, The College of St. “How to Become a Software Engineer: A Step-by-Step

Analysis.” ​The College of St. Scholastica​, 19 Mar. 2018,

www.css.edu/the-sentinel-blog/how-to-become-a-software-engineer-a-step-by-step-analy

sis.html. Accessed 2/20/19

Idris Azeez “My Personal Experience of Becoming a Software Developer.” ​Simple Programmer​,

2 Nov. 2018, simpleprogrammer.com/becoming-software-developer/. Accesses 2/20/19

Malvik, Callie. “What Does a Software Developer Do? An Overview for 2018 and Beyond.”5

Nov. 2018,

www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/technology/blog/what-does-software-developer-do/.