Programming The Future Essay, Research Paper
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Jesse P. Byers
Mrs. Sear
English 3
Period 4
13 February 1998
Programming The Future of The World
Computers have advanced remarkably. It started with first
generation computers such as the ENIAC which used vacuum tubes.
This computer was huge and eventually out dated (Litterick 29). Next
were computers that used transistors. They were more reliable, they
used one thirteenth of the space of a tube, one twentieth the
electricity, and one fifteenth less heat than tubes (31). Integrated
circuits were next, these were smaller, faster, and more powerful than
anything before. Now microchips are in computers making it able for
the computer addict to program. One of the available fields is
application programming (33-34) Application programming is a very
detailed field that is very rewarding and high in demand.
Application programmers often work long odd hours. Some may
even work up to eighty hours per week. Individuals in this field are
also required to stay current on programming languages (Eberts 28).
One of the advantages of this career is you may be able to work at
home (Southworth 56). If you choose to be an application
programmer be specific. Computers follow the program exactly which
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includes any errors. Breaking and analyzing problems into a series of
steps and debugging is a major part of programming (46). Some
programmers are high school students with little or no training but
most programmers have college degrees. Bachelor degrees in
computer science or engineering are adequate for this career (Eberts
31).
If programming is your chosen career there are two fields,
application programming and system programming (28). The
difference between the two is that systems programmers program
actual systems while application programmers program tasks that
need to be done. Programmers use technical manuals when
customizing programs to interface with their system (35). This is
called documenting. Programmers also must test the software
repeatedly to make sure the program is able to handle the
information provided correctly and that there are no weaknesses (33).
Computer programming is a career field that is very high in
demand. This means that there are many jobs available. Business,
scientific, and general purpose programming are the three main fields
(Southworth 54). Business programming is the field of programming
dealing with business programs. This type of programming may be
used in banks or any business. Scientific programming deals with
scientific applications for problem solving (54).
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Along with these fields there are many advantages. The salary
is one advantage. Beginning programmers start out between twenty
to thirty-five thousand dollars per year (14). This isn?t a large
amount but there is a chance for advancement. If a programmer is
experienced he or she can make forty to eighty thousand per year
(14). This field is expanding very rapidly. Because of this there is
also a good chance for advancement. Opportunities are open for
individuals to become project leaders, supervisors, and
systems analysts. Each of these holding higher salaries respectively
(56-57).
With each of the careers, programmers have more
responsibility. Systems analysts have to actually find the problem
and find a remedy for it. One responsibility is knowing fourth and
fifth generation languages. Fourth generation languages are
languages similar to English. Fifth generation languages are very
detailed and are for use on expert systems (Stair 21).
As the programmer advances they find themselves working in a
team. Programmers are frequently in teams made up of sales and
marketing associates, people who do documenting, and training and
quality control people to create a product (Eberts 30). If a
prospective programmer wants to get experience programming they
can program at home to get started. Taking courses at a technical
school is a good chance to learn programming. If advanced
programming is what a person desires it is possible to take courses at
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a college. For more experience talk to your boss into letting you do
some programming for the company (Southworth 52-53). Online
getting help is easy. In any chat room or any other place it is
possible to get help. To make it easier to get help it is recommended
to use a popular model computer (53).
Different programming languages are used to perform certain
tasks. When a programmer writes a program, which is a detailed set
of instruction, the computer interprets them as one?s and zero?s. An
example would be 1011 (Litterick 16). Even though instructions are
interpreted this way this isn?t how you program the languages. Some
of the languages used are similar to English (Stair 21). Some
languages, such as Visual Basic are simple and easy to learn.
Languages such as C are more detailed and harder to learn. All of
these are fourth generation languages (21). One of these languages
is FORTRAN (Radlauer 27). This language is used for scientific and
engineering programming. Common Business Oriented Language or
COBOL is used for business applications (Radlauer 14).
Not only do computers have roles in the adult world, they are
also at work in the juvenile world. Computers are used at a growing
rate in schools. Classes such a Industrial Technology offer hands on
experience with computers (Wagner 83). Computers can also help
disabled children (88). Children with special need can be reached
through interactive software. This software is programmed to help
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these children develop motor skills. High tech businesses will bring in
four billion dollars per year from schools (83).
Computers are beginning to be programmed to teach people. If
you are educated that reduces the risk of unemployment, so
computers help create jobs (Litterick 28). Now computers are
excellent at teaching facts and techniques. In the future we will be
able to react more with software to learn social skills (29).
The high demand for application programmers is remarkable.
With the chance for excellent salary and freedom to work at home it is
clearly a great career choice. Even though the hours are odd and long
this career proves very rewarding. Computers are advancing so
much, so rapidly the need for application programmers will only rise.
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Litterick, Ian. Programming Computers. New York:
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Litterick, Ian. The Story of Computers. New York:
Brightwood, 1984.
Radlauer, Ed, and Bob Mather. Computer Tech Talk. Chicago:
Childrens Press, 1984.
Southworth, Scott. Exploring High Tech Careers. New York:
Rosen, 1993.
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VGM Career Horizons, 1996.
Wagner, Betsy. ?Where Computers Do Work.? U.S. News:
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