There’s a difference between system programmers and application programmers. While both are computer programmers and specialize in computer science, the work they do and who they work for is different. Application programmers write programs to handle a specific job, such as a program to track inventory within an organization. They also may revise existing packaged software or customize generic applications which are frequently purchased from independent software vendors. Systems programmers, in contrast, write programs to maintain and control computer systems software, such as operating systems and database management systems. Application programmers’ also research and examine current systems, talk to users to find out their requirements, agree to proposals, test products and ready themselves in order to make appropriate modifications.
To become an application programmer you need to complete your 12th standard and bachelor’s degree in the stream of science in subjects which may range between engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science or software engineering. A post graduate degree with IT can be beneficial. There are many part-time programming and computing courses available that you can study.
TOP INSTITUTES IN INDIA
Institutes | Location | Courses Offered | Eligibility | Fee | Website |
Indian Institute of Technology | Delhi, Mumbai, Kharagpur, Madras Kanpur, Roorkee, Guwahati, Hyderabad | BTech in Computer Science & Engineering M.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering | 12th standard (science) BSc or B.Tech | INR 381480 INR 474950 (combined with BTech) | www.iitd.ac.in |
Birla Institute of technology and Science | Pilani | B.E in Computer Science Engineering | 12th standard (science) | INR 325400 | www.bits-pilani.ac.in |
National Institute of Technology | Trichy, Surathkal | B.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering | 12th standard (science) | INR 140000 | www.nitt.edu |
Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology | Allahabad | BTech MTech | 12th standard (science) BSc/BTech | INR 140000 | www.mnit.ac.in |
Thapar University | Patiala | B.E in Computer Engineering M.E. in Computer Science & Engineering | 12th standard (Science) BSc/BTech | INR 528800 INR 120800 | www.thapar.edu |
National Institute of Engineering | Mysore | B.E. in Computer Science & Engineering | 12th standard (science) | INR 72360 | www.nie.ac.in |
Jawaharlal Nehru National College | Shimoga | B.E. in Computer Science and Engineering Masters in in Computer Applications | 12th standard (science) BSc/BCA/BTech | INR 460000 | www.jnnce.ac.in |
Manipal Institute of Technology | Manipal | BTech in Computer Science and Engineering MTech in Computer Science & Engineering Masters in Computer Applications | 12th standard (science) BSc/BTech BCA/BSc/BTech | INR 1116000 INR 284000 | www.manipal.edu |
TOP INSTITUTES OVERSEAS
Institutes | Location | Courses Offered | Eligibility | Website |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology | USA | Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Master’s in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science | 12thstandard Bachelor’s degree | www.ocw.mit.edu |
Stanford University | USA | Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science Master’s Degree in Computer Science PhD in Computer Science | 12thstandard Bachelor’s degree Master’s degree | www.cs.stanford.edu |
University of Oxford | UK | BA in Computer Science/Computer Science & Mathematics/Computer Science & Philosophy Masters in Computer Science/Mathematics and Computer Science/Computer Science and Philosophy PhD in Computer Science | 12thstandard Bachelor’s degree Master’s Degree | www.cs.ox.ac.uk |
University of Toronto | Canada | Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science Master’s degree in Computer Science | 12thstandard Bachelor’s degree | www.cdf.toronto.edu |
National University of Singapore | Singapore | Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science Master’s degree in Computer Science | 12thstandard Bachelor’s degree | www.nus.edu.sg |
University of Auckland | New Zealand | MSc in Computer Science | Bachelor’s degree | www.auckland.ac.nz |
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND JOB PROFILES
The job of application programmers is hectic but based on their word, it’s a satisfying job. The job growth from 2012-2022 in this industry has been projected to be around 23%. Application Programmers are usually in high-demand and work long hours. Programmers should expect to work hours that often exceed the standard forty-hour work week. A large percentage of application programmers work in comfortable office-like environments and are employed by a diverse range of industries, ranging from the computer and electronics industries to manufacturing sectors.
Sectors you can work in;
Telecommunications
Engineering
Computer
Service industries
Information technology or software consultancy firms
Commercial and industrial organisations
The Civil Service
Financial institutions,Self-employment via contract and consultancy work is possible for programmers with several years' experience.
Following are the well-known companies that are recruiting;
T.Kearney Ltd.
Hero Honda
CISCO
Sony
RBS
Wipro
Yahoo Japan Corporation
SKILLS REQUIRED
Skills include technical, teamwork, research, management, analytical and problem solving skills.
Qualities that make an Application Programmer who he/she is include dedication, commitment, sense of responsibility, result-orientation, ownership and the ability to cope up with the change that takes place in the industry.