Programming
I Don’t Think Many People Know What Work a Programmer Does
So I will fill you in.
I don’t think many people know what kind of work a programmer does. That being said, I am also a bit of a programmer. So, I would like to talk about the image and reality of programmers that everyone probably has.
If there are people who are thinking about becoming a programmer, this may or may not be helpful.
1. Knowledgeable about computers
As a programmer, I know everything about computers. That’s what you may be thinking. Unfortunately, I don’t know anything. That is just what I know. Each person has different areas of expertise. However, I think it can be said that they are much more knowledgeable than people who do not use computers daily.
Becoming a programmer does not automatically make you knowledgeable about computers; your knowledge will be formed through your daily interests. Therefore, knowledge is biased depending on the person.
It’s common for people to be familiar with Windows but have never used a Mac. The opposite is also true.
I sometimes can understand everything about electronic appliances just by looking at them. Still, I don’t know the specifications of the latest home appliances I’ve never used, and I can’t even repair them.
2. I’ve been clicking on my computer all-day
Most of the work of programmers involves using computers. As a result, I sometimes find myself glued to my laptop the entire time I work. Furthermore, I can be in front of my computer for 8 hours at work and 10 hours in private. Nowadays, remote work has become mainstream, so opportunities to go out have decreased even more.
3. Can be hacked
In a scene from a drama or movie, a genius hacker just clicks on the keyboard and finally presses the Enter key. You may have seen them say things like, “Hacking done!’’ That was just a performance.
By the way, infiltrating an organization’s system and stealing information or tampering with data, which is often seen in such productions, is sometimes referred to as “hacking.” Still, it is more accurately called “cracking.” To tell.
Programmers are often thought of as possessing mysterious super-skills that allow them to steal information from other people’s computers or take over computers remotely.
In reality, most programmers can’t do that.
First, programming is a means to develop software, so even if you learn programming to a certain extent, you will not acquire cracking skills. In fact, cracking is a crime, so don’t do it.
4. Create computer viruses
To explain briefly, a computer virus is a program that causes a computer to stop working correctly or destroys files. It cannot be transmitted through the air to other people’s computers or to humans. Anyone with some knowledge can create a computer virus.
Just because you can make something doesn’t mean you can make it, and if you trick someone into putting it on someone else’s computer, it’s a crime. It’s the same as bombs and poison in real life.
5. I don’t use a mouse
You may think programmers can do everything by typing on a keyboard and never use a mouse or touchpad. (Although there are individual differences) That’s not the case.
It may have been a long time ago. Still, most modern operating systems and numerous applications are designed to be operated with a mouse or touch, making it extremely difficult to manage using just a keyboard.
Programming is done by typing mysterious characters on a black screen.
In dramas and movies, genius hackers turn! When I’m doing this, there are scenes where I see countless numbers and words lined up on a black screen, and it looks like I’m doing something crazy with super technology.
It is called a command line, and there is a system that allows you to perform operations that everyone uses a mouse or touchpad to perform by inputting commands. In Windows, this is the command prompt. By default, this screen displays white text on a black background.
The command line operation is a super hacker for those looking for help, so this image seems to have stuck. By the way, the command line is mainly used to perform system operations on the OS, and programming cannot normally be done using the command line. In actual programming, programming software is usually used.
6. Fast typing
Most programmers are reasonably fast at typing, but some can’t touch the keyboard blindly or tap the keyboard with just one finger.
There is little relationship between typing ability and programming ability, and just because you can type quickly doesn’t necessarily mean you can work quickly.
In the first place, programming involves spending most of your time thinking. The time spent on technical research and trial and error is overwhelmingly longer than the time spent typing on the keyboard. I can do blind touch, but I learned that through email and chat rather than programming.
Also, when it comes to programming, we often use copy and paste, and most modern programming software has a function that automatically suggests and completes suggestions after you type a few characters, which speeds up typing and accuracy are no longer as important.
7. Good at mathematics
It is true that a higher percentage of programmers are science majors. That said, there are not that many people with liberal arts backgrounds. What is more important for programmers than memorizing mathematical formulas and theories is the ability to think about things objectively and logically.
If you can at least do math at a junior high school level, you can probably do it. Of course, it’s important to have a lot of knowledge and be interested.
8. Looks smart
When I tell my uncles and aunties that I’m a programmer, they sometimes say, “You’re not smart.” It’s especially difficult for people who don’t use computers daily to imagine their work, and since the industry is full of jargon they don’t understand, people tend to think of them as “smart.”
It doesn’t necessarily mean they’re smart. It is common for people to seem to understand but not to do so. This really depends on the person.
9. Algorithm is important
I don’t understand why, but I heard that “algorithms are important.” I feel like someone said that. Well, you’re not wrong. An algorithm is a processing procedure or method.
Examples of how the words are used include “search algorithm” and “sorting algorithm.” When learning about algorithms, the important thing is to understand how they work , not to memorize them.
10. System engineers are better than programmers
You may have heard of a system engineer (SE), a profession similar to that of a programmer. For some reason, I think a system engineer is a higher-ranking position.
A programmer is an occupation that specializes in programming, and a system engineer is an occupation that is responsible for a wide range of tasks, from system design to operation.
Although the meanings of the words are different, there is not much segregation in reality. I call myself a programmer, but my job is more like a systems engineer.
In fact, there are almost no programmers who do nothing but program.
11. Playing on the computer while working
Since I use a computer for work, I am in an environment where I can play on it anytime. But it’s not like I have a good time playing around, and I don’t have that much free time.
12. A lot of overtime
Whether there is a lot of overtime depends on the company. Furthermore, it differs depending on the department, the content of the work, and the period. There are also company employees who voluntarily leave rust behind.
However, one thing that can be said with certainty is that whether you work a lot of overtime or not is primarily influenced by the personality of your boss (or senior colleague). You won’t know this until you join the company, so in the end, it all depends on luck.
13. Poor communication skills
Communication skills vary depending on the person, but they may be low. Many people find it easier to communicate via email or chat than face-to-face.
Although it’s not as much as a salesperson, I interact with people outside the company, and I often have to speak at meetings and negotiate with superiors and subordinates.
You don’t need the communication skills to casually make small talk with someone you meet for the first time, but you do need to be able to have every day business-related conversations. Also, news communications are essential.
14. Many people are unhealthy
Most programmers are either unhealthily overweight or underweight—the personification of malnutrition. Many people have poor eyesight due to being in front of a computer all day, and many people wear glasses.
Many people suffer from lower back pain or hemorrhoids due to sitting for a long time. Due to my otaku lifestyle, I sometimes lack sleep. Some people often fall asleep during work.
How was it?
Most people around me are like this, but some programmers are working more actively, and others are on the death march. I guess I’m just an otaku who only plays around with computers. I think it’s okay to understand something like this.
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Thank you for reading until the end. Before you go:
