What is Programming?

Computer programming can be defined as the set of processes involved in designing and developing an executable computer program for accomplishing a specific task through computers. Programming involves tasks such as analysis, algorithm generation, profiling algorithms' accuracy, and implementing the algorithms in a chosen programming language (commonly referred to as coding).

In other words, programming can be understood as the sequence of instructions that will automate the performance of a task on a computer. In general, the purpose of programming is to solve a given problem. The process of programming thus often requires expertise in several different subjects, including knowledge of the application domain, specialized algorithms, and formal logic.

Computer Programming Scope

Computer programming is one of the most demanding fields. Candidates from top colleges, like Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and National Institutes of Technology (NITs) get paid exorbitantly. Computer programmers can get a job in fields such as software development, web designing, software testing, mobile app development, and much more.

Nowadays, computer programming is not limited only to the IT sector rather it has been stretched even further into other fields like Mechanical and Electronics and hence, its demands have been increasing. The advent of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence has also boosted the demand for computer programmers. In this article, we will provide you with the details about placement scope of computer programmers, skills required, course syllabus, job roles, salaries, and top companies. Read on to find out.

Skills required for a Computer Programmer

To be a computer programmer, it is essential for everyone to have in-depth knowledge of coding languages and algorithms. Along with it, a computer programmer must possess some additional skills to understand the client requirements, understand the problem and manage a team (if required). Following is the list of such skills:

• Analytical skills: Computer programmers must understand complex instructions in order to create computer code.
• Focused: Programmers must focus their attention on their work as they write code or check existing code for errors.
• Detail-Oriented: Computer programmers must closely examine the code they write because a small mistake can affect the entire computer program.
• Troubleshooting Skills: An important part of a programmer's job is to check the code for errors and fix any they find.

Course for Computer Programming

Graduate and Integrated Degree Courses

• BCS – Bachelor of Computer Science
• BSc (Computer Applications) – Bachelor of Science in Computer Applications
• BSc (Computer Maintenance & Electronics) – Bachelor of Science in Computer Maintenance & Electronics
• BSc (Computer Science Statistics) – Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Statistics
• BSc (Hons.) Computer Science – Bachelor of Science Honours in Computer Science
• BSc (Hons.) Mathematics and Computer Science – Bachelor of Science Honours in Mathematics and Computer Science
• BSc (Mathematics, Computers, Statistics) – Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Computers, Statistics
• BSc + MSc (Mathematics and Computing) – Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Mathematics and Computing

Postgraduate courses

• MPhil (Computer Science) – Master of Philosophy in Computer Science
• MSc (Applied Mathematics with Oceanology and Computer Programming) – Master of Science in Applied Mathematics with Oceanology and Computer
• MSc (Computer Communication) – Master of Science in Computer Communication
• MSc (Computer Science) – Master of Science in Computer Science
• MSc (Hons.) Computer Science – Master of Science Honours in Computer Science
• MSc (Operation Research & Computer Applications) – Master of Science in Operation Research & Computer Applications
• MSc (Statistics and Computer Applications) – Master of Science in Statistics and Computer Applications
• MSc Tech (Industrial Mathematics with Computer Applications) – Master of Science and Technology in Industrial Mathematics with Computer
• MTech (Computer and Information Science) – Master of Technology in Computer and Information Science
• MTech (Computer Science) – Master of Technology in Computer Science

Doctorate-level Courses

• PhD (Computer Science and Applications) – Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science and Applications
• PhD (Computer Science) – Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science

Diploma Courses

• Advanced Diploma in Software Development
• Diploma in Advanced Computing (DAC)
• Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Computer Science\
• Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Aided Interior Space
• Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Hardware

Online Programming Courses

Candidates can check the online programming courses in the table given below:

Name of the CourseDurationFee

CS50's Web Programming with Python and JavaScript by Harvard University

12 WeeksFree ($199 for a verified certificate)

Code Yourself! An Introduction to Programming by Coursera

12 HoursFree

Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals Specialization by Coursera

5 MonthsFree

Introduction to Programming with Python and Java Specialization by Coursera

4 MonthsFree

Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Specialization by Coursera

4 MonthsFree

Introduction to Programming in C++ by edX

8 WeeksFree

Advanced Programming in C++ by edX

8 WeeksFree

2021 Complete Python Bootcamp From Zero to Hero in Python by Udemy

22 HoursRs. 525

Machine Learning A-Z™: Hands-On Python & R In Data Science by Udemy

44 HoursRs. 525

Eligibility for Computer Programming Courses

Candidates interested in pursuing a diploma or degree programme must have passed higher secondary examination/class 12 or equivalent exam with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects. Some institutions also conduct entrance test for admission to bachelor degree programmes.

Candidates, after completing BTech in computer science engineering, can opt for pursuing a postgraduate diploma or higher degree course in computer programming. For advancement or to gain expertise in computer programming, candidates can pursue MTech/MSc.

Computer Programmer Job Profile

Computer programmers typically do the following:

• Write programs in a variety of computer languages, such as C++ and Java
• Update and expand existing programs
• Test programs for errors and fix the faulty lines of computer code
• Create and test code in an integrated development environment (IDE)
• Use code libraries, which are collections of independent lines of code, to simplify the writing

According to the qualification, job roles, and job profile, computer programmers are offered salary packages. Usually the annual package of fresher lies between 3 lakh to 3.5 lakh per annum. Candidates can refer the table below to get an idea about the salary packages offered to a computer programmer.

Job Profile

Annual Package (In Rupees)

Software Engineer

2,51,000 – 10,00,000

Senior Software Engineer

4,64,000 – 20,00,000

Software Developer

2,06,000 – 10,00,000

Sr. Software Engineer/Developer/Programmer

4,13,000 – 20,00,000

Software Engineer/Developer/Programmer

2,32,000 – 10,00,000

Associate Software Engineer

2,26,000 – 10,00,000

Team Leader, IT

5,81,000 – 20,00,000

.NET Software Developer/Programmer

1,78,000 – 9,70,000

Lead Software Engineer

7,10,000 – 20,00,000

Java Developer

1,99,000 – 10,00,000

Top Recruiters

Below is the list of some renowned companies that recruit Computer Programmers

Top companies that Hire Computer Programmers

Facebook

Google

Yahoo

Microsoft

Hewlett-Packard

International Business Machines (IBM) Corporation

Toshiba Corporation

Dell Inc.

NEC Corporation

Canon Inc.

Apple Inc.

ASUSTEK Computer Inc.

Acer Inc.

Lenovo Group Limited

SAIC

Sun Microsystem

TCS

Infosys

HCL

Wipro

L&T

Tech Mahindra