If you are an absolute beginner that is not really savvy with computers or anything computer related, then you may be wondering, what is this whole programming thing all about? So lets quickly get that understood before moving on to the main juicy stuff.

Computer programming is the art of writing instructions in code that control the functions and operation of a computer. A computer programmer, also known as a coder or software developer, is someone who writes in a language the computer can understand, to allow it to solve a problem. This is an essential part of technology, because without proper programming, our computers, smartphones, apps and websites wouldn’t work properly. In other words, a computer program is a set of instructions to facilitate specific actions.

It is sometimes referred to as “coding” as well, which simply means writing computer codes that a computer understands, but don’t worry “coding” and “programming” literally mean the same thing, and the both words are often used interchangeably, so don’t get confused. Computer programmers write instructions for a computer to execute by writing and testing code that enables applications and software programs to operate successfully.

Now I know all that may not really seem interesting , but don’t worry we’ll soon get to the juicy part of it. At its most basic, computer programming is a little more than a set of instructions to facilitate specific actions or task for a computer. Based on the requirements or purposes of these instructions, computer programming can be as simple as adding two numbers. It can also be as complex as reading data from temperature sensors to adjust a thermostat, sorting data to complete critical reports or taking players through mufti-layered worlds and challenges in games. The development of some of which may last from a few minutes to decades!

Computer programmers write instructions for a computer to execute using specialized languages that can be understood by a computer. Such languages are referred to as “programming languages”. The most popular of which include -JavaScript, -Python, -Java, -C++, -PHP and more.

The common tasks a Computer Programmer is required to master, ranges from testing software performances and modifying programs to enhance better performance, to Writing computer programming code and collaborating with other programmers to resolve IT issues. Some Computer programmers are Computer science or software engineering degree holders while others are either self taught or boot camp grads.

Some professional certifications a Computer engineer may obtain include;

• CISCO – Certified Network Associate, -Certified Network Profession Routing and Switching, -Certified Network Associate Security Credential -Microsoft – Certified Solution Developer for -Web Applications, Certified Solutions Associate -Windows Server Professional Associations – Software Development Associate Certification, -Comptia’s Security+, -Comptia’s A+ Certification, -Comptia’s Linux+
• Nonprofit – Certified Information Systems -Security Professional, -Certified Information Security Manager, -Certified Secure Software -Life-cycle Professional Credential Although you don’t need all of the above certifications to become a programmer or get a programming job, they may still come in handy sometimes.