Your guide to become an Computer Programmer in Malaysia

Average Salary
2,800 - 3,800

Job Demand

Who is an Computer Programmer

A Computer Programmer or Developer is an IT professional who creates and writes computer programmes

Computer Programmers use their skills to write codes and create software programmes that tell computers to accomplish certain tasks like retrieving data. They may also rewrite, debug, maintain and test these programmes. Computer Programmers use specific codes or computer languages, like Java and C++ to transform the programme designs created by software developers and engineers into instructions that the computer can identify with. Whether it’s a small startup looking to improve its website or a major corporation that needs to overhaul its intranet, coders have become a staple position in most businesses, even outside the tech world. Industry observers forecast that employment of Computer Programmers will remain robust until 2022.

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The pros and cons of being an Computer Programmer

Pros

Currently very high in demand and will remain so for a long time
Since it is high in demand, computer programmers are paid handsomely
Flexible working hours as you will have to work depending on your client’s time zone (if they are international clients)

Cons

Face the computer for long hours and may affect your health
You have to spend lots of time sitting and staring at the screen. As such, you may develop neck, wrist and eyesight problems
If you’re one who cannot sit in your desk for the whole day and loves to mingle around with people, this job may affect your social life
Difficult to learn programming and its various languages

What are all the responsibilities of an Computer Programmer ?

Understand the needs of the user
Write programmes
Test programmes to search for errors
Import software to other systems
Modify existing programmes
Write, test and modify code
Document the processes of the code
Work with other professionals and clients
Consult clients to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the programme
Fix bugs on the client’s software

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What skills do you need to become an Computer Programmer?

Programming skills

Some people are naturally inclined to all things high tech. Most people play online games and get engrossed with the character in the game but programmers-to-be are fascinated with how things are working behind the scenes. If you’ve always wondered how does the computer lead us to another page just by clicking a link or understand what we want by scrolling up and down, then you could consider being a computer programmer.

Able to work in a team and alone

Maybe you want to study or have completed your studies in an IT field because you prefer dealing with computers rather than physical human beings. Yes, being a computer programmer allows you to face the computer all day, everyday but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to communicate with anyone in the office. Junior computer programmers usually work in a team so you need to be able to communicate with your colleagues and clients too. However, most of the time, you will have to work alone in the server room.

Attention to detail

If you know what binary codes are, you will know how messy it can get sometimes. No images. Your entire screen is filled only with alphabets and numerics. Seeing it long enough can get you a headache. Despite that, Computer Programmers must pay attention to the slightest detail to be able to test out systems, pick up tiny errors and solve complex problems.

What field(s) of study should you choose to become an Computer Programmer?

Computer Science
Information System
Software Engineering
Computer Engineering

What are the requirements to be an Computer Programmer?

If you want to become a computer programmer, it’s a good idea to earn an IT degree. Most employers require at least a bachelor’s degree. Programming is highly detailed work, and it usually involves fluency in several languages. For beginners, the industry recommends Python, C/C++ and PHP. Besides, obtaining additional certificates such as Cisco, CompTIA and Microsoft will greatly increase your chances to obtain a job. Programming jobs that use Java remain as the highest paying jobs among others.

What are the working hours of an Computer Programmer

Regular work hours from 9am to 6pm, but be prepared to work overtime, on shifts or weekends if you have to finish a project. Computer Programmers work in comfortable, air-conditioned offices.

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