Programmer: everything about the profession
Developing applications and their functions, video games, computers, understanding different languages. How about working as a programmer? We have put together a piece to help you understand how the profession works, the market, the benefits and even where to study and work in the field. Shall we?
Applications, computers, programming languages: all part of the programmer's world and of anyone wanting to enter the field
What does a programmer do?
A programmer is the professional who creates, develops and maintains different kinds of software, whether for larger systems or purely for home and personal computers. They use languages such as Java, HTML and C++ to create new commands, features and functions in programs. They are the people who develop and improve websites, applications, operating systems, social networks and an endless range of other possibilities.
Another of the programmer's functions is handling the collection of user data for analysis, supporting sharper decisions about developing new services and products.
The job market
The job market for programmers is one of the strongest in the economy, generating excellent opportunities
Web programmer, desktop programmer, mobile programmer, games programmer, senior programmer. There is a very wide range of options for a programmer, since it is one of the strongest markets in the economy, driven by high demand for these professionals and their considerable potential to work across many parts of a company.
A programmer's options also include working at startups, marketing and advertising agencies and elsewhere, whether self-employed, freelance, on a permanent contract or providing consultancy services to companies. Here you can find the average salary for a programmer, the sectors that pay best and the average salary by state.
The games programmer
One facet of the profession, working with games can bring very good returns, financially and professionally, since the games industry is one of the most valuable in the world. Brazil leads the games market in Latin America and ranks 13th worldwide, in a market worth up to US$2 billion a year, which makes the field very attractive to programmers.
To produce a game, the team needed includes writers, game designers, game testers and programmers, who need to work with a range of languages such as Python, Java, SQL, HTML and JavaScript. In a market that only grows and that reaches 70% of the Brazilian digital population, working in game development can be a very good career option.
Academic background
There is no single degree specific to programming, but there are several options:
Systems Analysis and Development
Lasting two to three years, the course equips professionals to analyse and develop information systems for a range of sectors. Subjects include databases, software development, the fundamentals of data networks, the fundamentals of operating systems and programming languages and techniques, among others.
Computer Science
Lasting four years, the course trains professionals to develop computing programs and to plan and execute software. Subjects include calculus, electronics for computing, basic physics, algorithms and data structures, and statistics, among others.
Software Engineering
The bachelor's degree lasts five years and equips professionals to develop projects and oversee the development of new programs and the maintenance of existing ones. On this course you study subjects such as algorithms and data structures, calculus, databases, software design, computer networks and the fundamentals of software engineering, among others.
Where to study
Some higher education institutions offer these courses in person and at a distance, including Centro Educacional Anhanguera, Unicid, Universidade de Franca (Unifran), Universidade Norte do Paraná (Unopar) and Centro Universitário Unibta, all in line with the education ministry's requirements. Remember that to work in the profession you need a qualification in one of the technology courses recognised by the Ministry of Education.
Conclusion
Developing games, programs and solutions, whether at a company, freelance or on a permanent contract. In a field that can only grow, working as a programmer is a solid career option, whether as a service provider, self-employed or freelance, with the chance to work from wherever you like.