| Computer programming has become one of the | | | | virtual certainty that the increased intricacy of |
| most underestimated directional tools of the global | | | | computing will require a constant re-education of |
| economy in the last decade. Programming is | | | | veteran programmers. Computer programs and |
| everywhere you look, from cellular phones to laptop | | | | programming languages differ greatly from one |
| computers to checkout counters. These programs, | | | | another, even though they may share some basic |
| which look like nonsense to the lay-person, are vital | | | | elements. As technology advances and new |
| for the basic functioning of any computerised | | | | generations of operating systems and languages |
| equipment. As such, the programming professional is | | | | become prevalent, there will be a need for |
| in high demand in the UK, Europe, and throughout | | | | programmers who are able to program in a variety |
| virtually the entire world . However, it is important to | | | | of programming languages. The IT professional would |
| look at trends that may influence the programmer | | | | be wise to keep abreast of technology and learn |
| job market in the future before diving head-first into | | | | new skills as his or her career progresses rather than |
| a programming position. | | | | risk becoming a technical 'dinosaur'. |
| One trend that is likely to influence the role of | | | | To continue on the theme of on-going education, the |
| permanent computer programmers is the shift | | | | most employable and versatile computer |
| towards temporary and consultant positions on | | | | programmers in the future will be the ones who are |
| technological issues. Companies that already have | | | | able work in a variety of environments on a range of |
| in-house IT and programming departments may | | | | technology platforms. For example, |
| maintain only a small portion of their current staff in | | | | telecommunications companies need programmers |
| the future. It may hence be inferred that | | | | that can work on most or all of their projects. This |
| programmers are more likely to become employed as | | | | includes wireless networking, data streaming, cellular |
| contractors as companies look to cut permanent | | | | phones, and other equipment that requires a broad |
| payroll and maintain their bottom line. In order to | | | | range of knowledge. Indeed, companies may begin to |
| prepare for this eventuality, it may be useful for a | | | | expect computer programmers to become more |
| computer programmer to develop additional side | | | | broadly knowledgeable than in the past. However, |
| interests, whether helping a local business with some | | | | computer programmers that are truly committed to |
| IT issues or undertaking other private consulting | | | | their craft should not have a problem meeting that |
| work. | | | | expectation. Their natural curiosity, hard work, and |
| Irrespective of whether permanent jobs for | | | | technical prowess can turn them into versatile |
| computer programmers will suffer a decline, it is a | | | | programmers for the rapidly changing job market. |