9 Types of Programmers: A Comprehensive Look
We make use of lots of tech products today. Some of these products range from smartphones, laptops, and automobiles. However, you should know that using these gadgets would never be possible without the help of computer programmers. Computer programming is a tech-related course that requires focus and commitment. It is because computer programming is detail-oriented. The main intentions of computer programmers are to focus on writing codes. These codes in question take a lot of time to be completed. They require optimum focus to get right. Even if a minor issue develops during coding, it can have a more significant technical impact.
Once a code is incorrect, it could cause a program not to work right, thereby compromising the program. Such technical malfunctions should be easily detected and corrected without causing any further damage.
Over the years, computer programming has carved out a niche for itself. It is why it has become a significant industry in the world today. The tech world has evolved in various ways. There are so many possibilities. Smartphones, computers, artificial intelligence, and automated machines are impacting the world today. All these are possible thanks to computer programmers.
Do you know that a computer programmer can belong to different programming categories? In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at the 9 types of programmers we have.
Why Is Programming Important?
In recent times programming has evolved to become one of the most necessary skills needed by every organization. Undoubtedly in the past, programming was an essential skill required by information technology(IT) departments in various organizations across the world. However, in today's labor market, companies seek employees who have a few coding skills attached to their resumes.
It shows how vital programming is in our current world. Programming is this popular because it can do a lot for businesses. Every professional organization must have a programmer or programmers among their team. You can never fully function in the digital space without the help of a programmer.
Programmers are the reason why so many online platforms are generating passive income today because it is these programmers that build websites, create the necessary updates that these websites require, and make the essential apps that an organization needs to function better. There are, however, different types of programmers that can help your organization succeed. We will be looking at these types of programmers next.
How many types of programmers are there
Many types of programmers can be classified based on the tools and languages commonly used within those industries. For example, a game programmer working may have expertise in developing games using languages such as C++ or C# and tools such as Unity for game development. They may also have knowledge of game design principles and may work on projects such as developing game engines or creating game assets.
In addition to the specific tools and languages used within an industry, programmers may also have specialized knowledge or skills relevant to their industry. For example, a programmer working in the healthcare industry may have experience developing medical software or electronic health records systems using languages such as Python or Java and tools such as Django for back-end development, along with knowledge of medical terminology and regulations.
Despite being able to classify a programmer by their industry knowledge, tools and language used, it is also true that industries nowadays have become highly interconnected. This leads to various overlaps in the roles and skills required by programmers. Programmers, in particular, can work across multiple domains, as their skills are highly transferable and adaptable.
Knowing this, this article will discuss nine types of programmers below.
9 Types OF Programmers
The following is the list of computer programmers that make up the programming industry:
1. Software Developers
Our Android phones all contain applications that help us carry out basic actions. Those applications are all possible with the help of software developers. Every digital company in the world today makes use of software developers. It is software developers that create apps for various industries today.
Software developers work in the communication sector, medical sector, travel sector, and finance sector. Their job is not just to create apps for industries; this category of programmers also monitors the apps and updates them. Software developers don't use common programming languages when coding.
Some common job titles for software programmers include Junior Software Developer, Senior Software Developer, Lead Software Developer and Principal Software Developer.
To become a software programmer means, one needs to have a vast knowledge of operating systems. Some examples of these operating systems are Windows, Linux, and Mac. Software developers also have extensive knowledge in app development programming languages like Swift, C#, C, Java, and C++.
In addition to technical skills, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills, as well as knowing how to use Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) to optimize work and improve performance, are needed for software programmers.
2. Game Programmers
Game programmers are programmers who specialize in creating video games for various platforms. Every operating system ranging from Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android, uses game programmers to develop games for their individual operating systems.
Whenever a client brings a game plan, it is the job of the game programmer to go through this plan and create a game that meets the client's requirements. Game programmers have to pass through a series of hard-coding to meet expectations and be successful in their craft. A game programmer also needs to have a vast knowledge of audio systems, animations, and videos.
All these aspects play a vital role in creating a perfect video game. Game programming requirements are often different from each other. For instance, the requirement for windows might be entirely different from that of Mac. Their coding skills must be top-notch since they will use Unity and Blender applications, which require some coding skills.
Other important skills for game programmers include knowledge of game engines like Unreal Engine, game development, and math. It is common for job titles related to game programmers to include “Game Programmer,” “Senior Game Programmer,” and “Lead Game Programmer.”
To become successful in this category, you might need to work with a head programmer who will guide the team of game developers through the game project. The game project should consist of a programmer working on the game hardcore with assistance from a sound programmer who will be in charge of making sure the sound effect is incorporated into the game. The services of a 3D programmer are not left out. It is this 3D programmer that controls every 3D aspect of the game.
3. Software Engineers
Once the other programmers are done coding a program, there is a job to check this program to ensure that an imminent crash won't occur. When it comes to studying code, it is the software engineer's job—the software engineer tests to spot any malfunction that could happen along the way.
There are so many businesses and companies that rely on the efficiency of their apps 24/7. Such companies wouldn't want their app to crash since it is their primary source of generating revenue. To help avoid such from occurring, it is ideal for such businesses to enlist the services of a software engineer to help spot unforeseen factors before they happen.
These software engineers are often referred to as software control specialists. For software engineers to carry out their duties successfully, they need to have a broad knowledge of programming languages. They should also know how to use the necessary testing tools to test the codes from other programmers. Software engineers should be a vital core of any company that wants to keep growing.
Software engineers typically possess foundational knowledge and capability to use one or more programming languages such as Java, Python, C++, Ruby, and R. They also have analytical skills, communication skills and creativity. Some examples of dedicated software development team hard skills include software development, object-oriented design (OOD), software testing, debugging, computer programming and coding.
There are many job titles related to software engineering. Some popular ones include Software Engineer, Lead Software Engineer, and Senior Software Engineer.
4. Data Developers
There is nowhere across the digital space where you wouldn't find a database. Databases are across every sector, from cloud apps to e-commerce businesses. All these platforms require a virtual database to function. The database houses many vital pieces of information, such as customer data and every business trade and transaction carried out. All the company's activities and operations are included in the database. The job of data developers is to create and structure a database for any given business or company.
A database is vital for all e-commerce businesses and platforms. One vital fact is that no e-commerce business can exist without a data developer. These data developers are why every e-commerce platform successfully carries out its activities.
These categories of computer programmers are very vital in the digital space today. It is also the job of a database developer to carry out the essential analysis needed to break down the data in the database into simpler parts. To become successful in the field as a data developer requires having vast knowledge in DDL, SQL, DCL, and SQL.
Additionally, data developers need to include critical thinking skills in their skillsets as they need to be able to evaluate issues and develop creative and effective solutions.
Job titles related to data developers include BI Developer, Quantitative Data Engineer, Search Engineer, Technical Architect, Big Data Analyst, Solutions Architect, Data Warehouse Engineer and Data Science Software Engineer.
5. System Hardware Developers
When switching on a computer, the boot screen pops up first before any other thing. That boot screen that shows first is not being controlled by the computer's operating system. Instead, it is being controlled by the lower level firmware. Some of us might be wondering how this could be possible. It is possible via the help of system hardware developers.
As there is always secondary software supporting the primary software, the system hardware developers are the ones who create the secondary software that supports the primary software.
To become a system hardware developer, extensive knowledge of lower-level programming languages such as C or Assembly, along with other languages like Java and Python is required. This means that other types of programmers, like software engineers and system hardware developers, can also excel in this category.
Moreover, since system hardware developers are responsible for designing, building, testing and troubleshooting computer hardware, they need analytical thinking, creativity and problem-solving.
System hardware developers could have the title of Computer Hardware Engineer, Hardware Development Engineer, or System Architect.
6. Web Developers
We live in a computer age where almost everything is run by technology. As a matter of fact, in this present world, we can't live without the internet. Present-day civilization requires us to do almost everything on the internet. People shop on the internet, people study on the internet, and people also carry out financial transactions on the internet.
The success of the internet today will never be complete without web developers. Every website you see on the internet today is possible because of web developers. Without web developers, we wouldn't be able to communicate through this article. Web developers create websites using different types of scripts. This script predicts users' actions when they come on a web page.
Too many easy-to-develop websites on the internet today require a programmer who will build the structure and, at the same time, create a program that determines how that website will function. Even the information put on the website is also part of the web developer's job.
Popular hard skills for web developers include Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), JavaScript, Web Development, PHP, HTML, MySQL, jQuery and HTML5. Depending on the job a more advanced web developer should have skills like Laravel, WordPress, AngularJS, SQL and C#.
Web developers start off as Junior Web developers before transitioning to Senior Web Developers.
7. Computer Hardware Programmers
For a computer to work and carry out its functions, it requires a computer programming language that it can understand. This computer language is more like instructions that the computer can follow once instructed. Computer hardware programmers write the instructions that the computer follows. Computer hardware programmers can write these instructions with the help of a machine language.
This machine language tells the computer what to do whenever a button is pressed on the computer. For instance, when you press the power button, the machine language instructs the computer on what to do. So when the power button is pressed, the computer receives an instruction to shut down.
This program controls all the instructions that enable a computer to serve us during usage. In most modern days, humans have found it possible to communicate with machines perfectly. However, this would not be possible without the help of computer hardware programmers. When you put on a computer for the first time, the computer begins to boot and starts reading certain instructions. These are the instructions put in by computer hardware programmers to enable the computer to communicate well with the user.
Computer hardware programmers use creativity, analytical skills, and problem-solving skills to identify and fix problems with hardware designs, media, and storage devices. They also need to know some of the top hardware programming languages like Python, JavaScript, Java, C# and C.
Computer hardware programmers are usually known as Computer Hardware Engineers or Computer Engineers.
8. Network System Administrators
Computers are a very vital aspect of our jobs and businesses. As helpful as computers are when they are not adequately monitored, they are prone to many problems such as malware attacks, viruses, and hacks. Every computer in every organization has loads of information vital to the company's regulation and success.
It is why the security of every computer in every organization should be taken as a top priority. It is the job of network system administrators to help safeguard system networks to ensure that there is no cyber breach or malfunction in the systems. It is the job of these programmers to ensure that the networks are properly organized and ensure that the appropriate installations are in place.
These types of programmers also work in conjunction with information technology experts and information system managers to ensure a smooth process of things. They are the ones who monitor the computer service and desktop equipment in organizations. They also make sure that the necessary hardware and software needed by the organization systems are installed whenever necessary.
Whenever system upgrades are required, it is the job of the network systems administrator to carry out these upgrades. They monitor data storing and emailing activities carried out by the company to ensure optimum cyber security for data security.
Network system administrators should have a variety of skills. Some of these include communication, technical, problem-solving, organizational, critical thinking, research, interpersonal, and multitasking skills.
Communication skills enable them to effectively collaborate with clients, colleagues and other IT professionals. Organizational skills help them maintain accurate documentation regarding the systems and networks they manage.
They also analyze data and troubleshoot to check if the systems work as efficiently as possible. A network system administrator should have comprehensive knowledge of Perl, Java, and Python. These programming languages help them carry out their system's administrative duties effectively.
Some job titles related to Network System Administration include Network Administrator and Senior Network Administrator.
9. Analyst Programmers
Analyst programmers are very good at their job because they spend a considerable amount of time analyzing, documenting, and creating solutions where necessary. So many companies today have various analysts in different fields, like business analysts. However, these days big data analytics companies now make use of data analysts, and the best people for this job are analyst programmers. The position of an analyst programmer is to analyze, develop and design computer programs that will play a significant role in the company's systems. These types of programmers carry out various responsibilities in an organization.
The application distributions and software distributions throughout the organization's system or networks are carried out by the analyst programmer. In every organization today, upgrades are not just carried out on the company systems based on assumptions. It is the job of the analyst programmer to analyze the company's systems to determine areas that will need an upgrade and areas where the programs need to be maintained.
Technically speaking, an analyst programmer would have multiple tasks such as documenting reports generated from analysis, creating system plans for the company networks, carrying out tests, encoding, and debugging. They study every program that the organization uses and generate a report afterward. Every organization needs an analyst programmer to evaluate their computer systems and networks properly.
There are several programming languages that analysts and programmers should know. Some of the most popular ones include Python, SQL, R, C and C++.
That being said, no programming language is perfect; there will always come a time when an error can occur within a programming language. It is the job of the analyst programmer to detect and correct those errors whenever they occur. It is also their job to set up a protocol to ensure that system programs are run according to specifications.
In addition to technical skills, soft skills such as communication, creativity and analytical skills are also important for analyst programmers, along with a comprehensive knowledge of business processes and databases. Analyst programmers can be known as Junior or Senior Analysts and Data Analysts.
Types of programming jobs
After going through the different types of programmers, it is clear that many types of programming jobs are available today. To start a career in programming, one should first determine the type of programming job they are interested in and then choose the appropriate courses and resources to learn the necessary skills. For example, suppose someone is interested in becoming a software engineer. In that case, they can take courses on Coursera, such as "Introduction to Programming with Python and Java" from the University of Pennsylvania. On Udemy, one can take courses such as "The Complete Java MasterClass."
There are also many books available on Amazon that can help you learn to program. Some examples include: "Python Crash Course, 3rd Edition: A Hands-On, Project-Based Introduction to Programming" by Eric Matthes, "Object-Oriented Python: Master OOP by Building Games and GUIs" by Irv Kalb and "The Rules of Programming: How to Write Better Code 1st Edition" by Chris Zimmerman.
In addition to taking courses and reading books, many online resources are available for learning programming. The Odin Project is a free online resource offering a full-stack curriculum for aspiring web development programmers.
Final Thoughts
Programming plays a vital role in modern-day digitalization. It is no longer just an ordinary skill but now a necessary skill that produces results in every industry. In this article, we have taken a comprehensive look at the types of programmers available in the programming industry. We hope this article gives you an idea of what to expect from the various types of computer programmers in the field. Undoubtedly, a world without computer programmers is like going back to the middle ages. The world can't do without computer programmers because they are vital to progressive development.
