Profession programmer

Sociologists and economists have long argued that the industrial society is
being replaced by an information society. Information becomes the main resource.
And that information needs to be organized, protected, and its circulation managed.
Many people, perhaps even most, have personal computers. And they become truly
necessary and irreplaceable: email correspondence, music and films, texts, books -
all this is transferred from various devices to one universal device - the computer.
Therefore, this profession seems very promising to me.
Of all the possible areas of activity, I am most interested in web design and
programming - this is the creation of Internet sites. The demand for the profession
is very high: the number of people, companies, organizations who want to “settle”
in the web space is increasing every day! My future profession combines all the
qualities that are important to me: it is necessary; it is both “precise” and creative;
it is certainly promising from a financial point of view (since it would be
hypocritical to say that money does not matter to me). And this profession fully
corresponds to my gambling character: you can either become a high-level
professional, or you will remain one of millions... This is probably the case in any
profession, but here everything depends only on you: on your own abilities,
knowledge, aspirations. Raise your level, perseverance and desire to become a
winner, to become the best. And this is not enough in me!
I have another professional dream. I almost forgot to write about her!
Artificial intelligence has been being developed for a long time, and scientists have
already made great progress on this path. Perhaps for most people the phrase
“artificial intelligence” is associated primarily with the scary robots that have taken
over the world, but I hasten to reassure everyone: these developments would
incredibly help us in all areas - from medicine to consumer services! So, this is
another area in which I would really like to realize myself. Maybe I outlined my
plans for my future professional life in a somewhat chaotic manner, but in fact I
have a pretty clear idea of how and what I will do. And most importantly, I have a
goal and the desire to achieve it. Isn't that the main thing?

1. History of the profession - programmer

The emergence of programming as an occupation and, especially, as a
professional activity is difficult to date unambiguously. Often considered the first
programmable device, the jacquard loom was built in 1804 by Joseph Marie
Jacquard, which revolutionized the weaving industry by providing the ability to
program patterns on fabrics using punched cards. The first programmable
computing device, the Analytical Engine, was designed by Charles Babbage (but
was unable to build it). On July 19, 1843, Countess Ada Augusta Lovelace,
daughter of the great English poet George Byron, is believed to have written the
first program in human history for the Analytical Engine. This program solved the
Bernoulli equation, which expresses the law of conservation of energy of a moving
fluid. In her first and, unfortunately, only scientific work, Ada Lovelace examined
a large number of issues. A number of general principles expressed by her (the
principle of saving working memory cells, the connection of recurrent formulas
with cyclic computation processes) have retained their fundamental importance for
modern programming. Babbage's materials and Lovelace's comments outlined
concepts such as subroutine and subroutine library, instruction modification, and
index register, which began to be used only in the 1950s. However, none of the
programs written by Ada Lovelace were ever launched. Ada Augusta, Countess of
Lovelace, is generally considered to be the honorary first programmer (although, of
course, writing a single program, by modern standards, cannot be considered an
occupation or professional activity). History has preserved her name in the name of
the universal programming language "Ada".
The first working programmable computer (1941), the first programs for it,
and also (with certain reservations) the first high-level programming language
Plankalküll were created by the German engineer Konrad Zuse. History has not
preserved the names of the people who first began to professionally carry out the
work of programming itself (in isolation from setting up computer equipment),
since at first programming was viewed as a secondary setup operation.
Later, higher-level algorithmic languages (special programming languages)
are created, which makes it possible to reduce the process of compiling a program
to writing an algorithm in a special symbolic form in accordance with the rules of a
given language. Special programs have also been created that convert algorithmic
language into machine language. Numerous developments are currently underway
in the field of computing and programming, and incredible advances have already
been made. There is lively debate among scientists about the future of
computerization, but undoubtedly, the results of progress in this area will exceed
all our expectations.
2. Description of the profession
A programmer is a specialist who develops software for personal, embedded,
industrial and other types of computers, that is, programming. This can be either
the manager of large software development projects or a “loner” writing the code
for a specific program. Most enterprises and organizations sooner or later face the
issue of automation, and many managers strive to use the achievements of modern
information technologies, so the programmer is a kind of consultant, performing an
intermediary function between what the manager wants to receive and what the
world of high technologies. In those developments where, first of all, a search for
creative solutions is needed, Russian professionals are considered the most
powerful in the whole world. There are system and application programmers. An
application specialist is a specialist who develops and debugs programs to solve
various problems. System specialist - a specialist involved in the development,
operation and maintenance of system software.
Programmers can be roughly divided into three categories:
- Application programmers develop software necessary for the operation of an
organization. For example, this includes 1C programmers.
 - System programmers develop operating systems, interfaces to distributed
databases, and work with networks. Specialists in this category are the rarest and
highest paid.
- Web programmers deal with networks, but, as a rule, with global ones, such
as the Internet. They write web interfaces to databases, create dynamic web pages,
etc.
Job responsibilities:
Based on the analysis of mathematical models and algorithms for solving
scientific, technical and production problems, he develops programs for
performing computational work.
Draws up a computational scheme for problem solving methods, translates
solution algorithms into formalized machine language. Determines the information
entered into the machine, its volume, methods for monitoring operations performed
by the machine, the form and content of source documents and calculation results.
Develops layouts and schemes for input, processing, storage and output of
information, conducts desk checks of programs. Defines a set of data that provides
a solution to the maximum number of conditions included in a given program.
Conducts debugging of developed programs, determines the possibility of using
ready-made programs developed by other organizations.
Develops and implements programming automation methods, standard and
standard programs, programming programs, translators, input algorithmic
languages. Performs work on the unification and typification of computing
processes, participates in the creation of catalogs and cards of standard programs,
in the development of forms of documents subject to machine processing, in
design work to expand the scope of application of computer technology.
In most cases, a programmer must know several programming languages,
such as C++, Delphi, Visual Basic, PHP, Java, Perl, etc. First of all, a programmer
must have patience and endurance. These are absolutely irreplaceable qualities in
his work. Programming is a rapidly developing field, so you need to be able to
adapt quickly and constantly learn something new. Otherwise, in a few years your
value as a specialist may significantly decrease.
The ability to objectively assess the capabilities of technologies and their use
in each specific case. So that it doesn’t turn out that the firewood is cut using the
latest laser developments. Qualification requirements: higher technical or
engineering-economic education.
But having a higher education is not necessary, although it is an advantage.
Just a few years ago, it was not uncommon among programmers for a self-taught
programmer to be more professional. However, this trend is now on the wane
3. Pros and cons of the profession
The advantages of the profession include the ever-increasing demand for its
representatives. The information technology sector in Russia is developing rapidly,
and its growth rate, amounting to about 25% per year, is far ahead of similar
indicators in Europe and the USA. In addition, the demand for specialists
constantly exceeds supply, so even a novice programmer does not have much
difficulty finding a job. Another advantage of being a programmer is the
opportunity to work not only in our country, but also abroad, where Russian IT
specialists are highly valued. The demand for specialists constantly exceeds
supply, so even a novice programmer does not have much difficulty finding a job.
But still, despite the assertion of professionals that programming is akin to
creativity, the work of a programmer requires high concentration and a lot of labor.
The disadvantages of the profession include the so-called “scapegoat” complex.
For example, if you get a job in a company engaged in direct software production,
then keep in mind that the number of companies capable of acting as customers is
small, so managers try to grab any “monetary” order, without really thinking about
what means and within what time frame it can be completed. And programmers-
developers usually have to pay for such “planning” through evening and night
“vigils” in the office and work on weekends. However, the various disadvantages
of the profession are largely balanced by the considerable salary, good career
prospects and the opportunity to realize one’s creative ideas.
 So, let's summarize:
Pros of the profession:
1. High demand in the market,
2. High wages,
3. You can work without higher education,
4. Predominantly creative profession.
Disadvantages of the profession:
What is clear to the programmer is not always clear to the user; a lot has to be
explained,
It happens to work in emergency mode,
Working on a computer is bad for your health
And here is the place for routine,
Profession leaves its mark on character.
4. Education
The computer has become so firmly established in our lives that it is no
longer possible to imagine it without this achievement of technical progress. One
thing is striking: how did we all manage without this technology before? Despite
the fact that today there is a computer in almost every home, few people can call
themselves a professional in working with it. One of the most popular and, one
might say, absolutely necessary professions directly related to a computer is a
programmer. What does a future specialist in this field need to know? How are
programmers trained? And why is such a professional, even today, in the 21st
century, worth his weight in gold?
Programming is a complex process that is not easy to learn. A professional
programmer is a person who is fanatically devoted to his work, ready to create the
most complex algorithms for days, literally without leaving the computer. Do you
love PC that much? Then be sure to try your hand at mastering the profession of a
programmer. Another quality that this specialist must have, in addition to a
technical and mathematical mindset, is unconventional thinking. Of course, you
won’t get it in the same way as HDD WD on Arbatskaya, but you can develop it
with the help of special exercises and logical problems. Thinking outside the box
helps a programmer find a new, original way to write an algorithm, which may
well lead to the development of a new computer program. Many programmers
know the computer like the back of their hand, know how to fix it and can easily
find the best priced HP cartridges on Avtozavodskaya or hard drives on
Arbatskaya. A thorough knowledge of PCs for this specialist is desirable, but not at
all necessary. Having trained as a programmer, you can become a web programmer
(create websites), an application programmer (develop games, PC programs,
instant messengers, various software) or a system programmer. System
programming is the most complex specialty, which involves creating complex
software systems that control a computer system. Such a specialist will always find
a highly paid job. A programmer often works with huge amounts of information
that need to be “transferred” from one computer to another. Therefore, future
professionals cannot do without purchasing devices such as external hard drives on
Babushkinskaya or the already mentioned Arbatskaya, there are a lot of them.
Although, of course, purchasing a HDD will not make you a professional, for this
you will have to study for a long time, treating your education with all possible
responsibility. Please note that it is quite difficult to enter the appropriate
university for the IT department, so you need to prepare yourself as much as
possible for the exams. It’s great if you graduated from a school with a physics and
mathematics focus, a specialized lyceum or special preparatory courses. This way
you won’t have to worry much before admission; you will be chosen, not you.
Graduating from a specialized university that trains programmers provides
incomparable prospects, so if you have chosen programming as a future profession,
you can only be envied.
To work in the IT field, you need to have developed logical thinking, good
mathematical training, know English (the universal language of the computer
community) and be comfortable with a computer. There are no problems with the
last point: now many families have computers, and children have the opportunity
to master them during their school years. But good knowledge in mathematics is a
matter of diligent study at school. It will be good if the school is not simple, but
physical and mathematical. It’s even better if a young programmer takes part in
mathematical Olympiads and has the appropriate certificates. After school - there
are options. You can enter a Russian technical university, preferably an old and
prestigious one, like Moscow State University (Mechanics and Mathematics),
Baumanka, MIPT, MIREA, etc. You can find a suitable option among new non-
state universities. In the Russian version, it will take four years to study for a
bachelor's degree, 5 years for a specialist degree, and 6 years for a master's degree.
If finances allow, you can go to study abroad (the corresponding programs there
are called Computer Science or Computing). Abroad, the bachelor's program in
this area is designed for 3-4 years of study. Then you can enroll in a 1-2-year
master's program. Both here and there, students study the same thing: the
architecture and design of computer systems, programming languages,
organization of information systems and other subjects. The advantage of studying
abroad is a more modern material and technical base: newer computers, better
equipped laboratories, the Internet is everywhere and works faster. But in Russia
they teach theory more thoroughly, especially mathematics, on which the
algorithms of all programs are based. And it is easier to master such complex
subjects in your native language than in a foreign language.
Experts have differing opinions on where to study for a bachelor's degree. For
example, the head of the Parta Center for International Contacts, Irina Mochalova,
believes that it is worth going to the West with a Russian diploma in your pocket.
“It is still believed, and not without reason, that the natural sciences - mathematics,
physics, etc. - are still best taught here in Russia. If you want to get a
programmer’s diploma and at the same time save money that will be spent on 4 -
year course of study, it is better to do this in their homeland. Physicists,
mathematicians, and programmers should go abroad after receiving higher
education - for an internship, advanced training courses or graduate school,” she
believes. Heads of other educational agencies point out that in domestic
educational institutions the educational base is hopelessly outdated, and, they say,
according to the posters, you cannot learn to work with a computer without proper
practice. At the same time, graduates of Russian schools, famous for their strong
mathematical preparation, are readily accepted into information technology
departments in many countries. But you will have to study all your life. New
versions of programs are constantly released, equipment characteristics are
updated. All this needs to be closely monitored; it is not for nothing that short
courses leading to obtaining certificates of proficiency in certain programs are so
common in this area.
5. Place of work and career
programming systems career job title
Basically, in Kyrgyzstan, programmers are required - “applied specialists”:
almost any company today needs automation of its business, the ability to work on
an internal computer network and quickly exchange information electronically
between divisions and departments, keep records of products, purchases, and
goods sold. They adapt, and if necessary, develop a package of special programs,
taking into account the specifics of the organization’s business: it is one thing to
automate the activities of a publishing house, another thing - a trading company or
restaurant. However, many enterprises require not only business automation, but
also constant monitoring of an established system and its changes. in case of
company expansion, therefore, employers are ready to hire programmers to their
staff. However, some organizations prefer to order the automation of their business
from specialized IT companies that provide such services. The ability to self-learn
is one of the main skills that a programmer must have. 1C programmers are in
particular demand in the labor market - the same “application specialists”, but
adapting a ready-made software package from 1C to the needs of a specific
enterprise, mainly accounting. Analyzing customer requirements, they install
programs that facilitate calculations, optimize staff work, and improve document
flow. Another area of activity for a programmer is web programming:
development, modernization and support of websites. This area requires many
specific knowledge - PHP, MYSQL, XHTML, CSS, JavaScript, XML. Moreover,
very often employers want to get a “two in one” professional - a web designer and
a web programmer, so that he not only solves technical issues (fast loading of the
site, work of links, search engine), but also deals with the design of the site, and
sometimes even its information content. You can start your own business, which
could potentially be very profitable (just remember that Bill Gates, the founder of
Microsoft Corporation, became the richest man in the world thanks to his
brainchild). However, in order to successfully manage such a business, it is not
enough to be able to create good computer programs; This requires thorough
knowledge in the field of economics, law, and management.
Places of work:
- Research centers,
- IT companies,
- Organizations that in their structure imply departments of programmers (or
staff units).
The profession is in high demand on the market and is well paid. There is
always the opportunity for career growth.
Conclusion
I learned a lot of interesting things about the programming profession while
creating the project. After analyzing the material presented on the Internet, I
realized that this specialty is not easy and it has its pros and cons. The main
advantage I noted was the high salary, and the main disadvantage was the negative
impact on health. Also, the profession of a programmer is very promising. As a
result, I came to the conclusion that the profession suits my personal characteristics
and interests. Since I have already made some progress on the path to my future
profession, I can confidently say that the concept of “programmer” or “information
technology specialist” is incredibly broad. This particular word is almost never
used among specialists, but is used only to explain to the “uninitiated” that I am
“somehow connected with computers”... That is. to say “I want to be a
programmer” is to say nothing.