Definition of Occupation

Writes, tests and maintains the detailed programs (software) that list in logical order the steps computers must execute to perform their functions. Applications programmer (specializes in business, engineering or science) does original design work of new programs or modifies/updates existing programs. Systems programmer develops, installs and maintains software that controls and manages computer hardware enabling it to run applications efficiently. Some applications programmers (called programmer/analysts) meet with clients/managers to discuss and analyze their needs, then do the encoding.

NOTE: It is becoming more difficult to distinguish different computer specialists--including programmers--since job titles shift so rapidly, reflecting new areas of specialization or changes in technology.