Commercial computer programmers are also referred to as software engineers, or software-developers. Programming has, of necessity, been around as many years as the computing devices which run those programs. Without any programs to give them instructions, electronic devices would just be inert containers without a purpose. You will find programs within almost every item of technological-hardware that you own. We don't generally think of them as 'programs' but that is what they are - even your DVD player contains an operating-system which makes it possible for it to perform correctly. The on-screen inter-face which you use to set up a TV recording, or even the navigation menu which pops-up when viewing a DVD or Blu-ray is all software. The simple fact that you see a motion picture when you press 'Play' on a DVD recorder, is actually a function of a bit of software that pulls the 1's and 0's off a disc, & then de-crypts them directly into video information at amazing speed.

Low level languages like C are used by systems-programmers - the existing variation has progressed massively since the early days and is in fact now far more accessible. Applications-programmers work in a number of different higher-level 'languages', and there are rather too many to name them all, but each of them will have their own set of instructions and rules - & may suit one particular task more than another. By way of example a programmer writing database software for business use would work with a 'language' that suits that environment, but a software engineer writing games software would most likely use 'C', to obtain fast running speeds. When you're writing a database-application, then it does not matter if your display screen re-draws in one 10th of a second or one 100th of a second, while with games, it matters a great deal. As a result, a database oriented 'language' would provide functions designed to help make your job a lot easier - rather than strip everything out to make it operate faster. It's a bit like making a comparison between a family estate car and a racing-car. The five or more seater family estate is practical & more comfortable, but it's definitely not designed for speed. For the purpose of getting the kids from A to B though, it ticks all the right boxes.

Microsoft brought up to date their principal certification tracks a few years ago, making the shift from the former 'Microsoft Certified Application/Solutions Developer' ('MCAD'/'MCSD') to the current Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist ('MCTS') & Microsoft Certified Professional Developer ('MCPD') exams. Before you can deal with the complete 'MCPD' exam, you should finish 2 'MCTS' programs first. If you are not used to the industry and haven't programmed before, (even though the very first module from Microsoft is labelled a foundation unit,) it could be wise to study a programming introduction course first. We'd equally advise taking a support accreditation before all this, in order to gain a suitable idea of software-environments and support. This will likely in addition help out with obtaining your very first employment within the I.T. market. Standard study periods would probably be around 600-700 hrs for the complete career track, & therefore you would usually prepare for 12 - 18 months of part time study.

As the world moves more closely towards the concept of 'cloud computing', we're going through an increasing movement in the direction of network-based & internet based software. Cloud computing is the term for files that may be accessed from all over the world, as they're stored out in the 'ether'. In fact even the raw-processing is done elsewhere on one of the computer systems within the 'cloud'. At some point the only requirement will be for you to have a very basic 'terminal' plugged in to the Network (or of course wirelessly connected to it).

In it's simplest format, a program will make use of a certain 'language' to tell a piece of electronics exactly how to perform a function. Clearly, this is a massive over-simplification. You'll probably find around a hundred programs going in the background of your 'Windows' desk-top computer. They're what in fact allow you to do anything as they maintain the entire system. Basically, there are two levels of software programs for computers; the operating-system (or low level) software, & the 'applications' that run on top of them. 'Windows' from MS is probably the operating system most of us know best. A complete suite of programs need to interact here to make your PC do everything you require of it - from running your desk-top space, to managing your inter-action with it, to hooking you up to the web or your network etc.

Several factors make it generally accepted that C is the most useful 'language' for the commercial-programming student to start off with. The language is quite disciplined, and as such a number of others have emerged from it. Once you have learned the way to write programs in 'C', you'll find the switch to others is much more intuitive. 'C' is the principle 'language' for systems. Its one of Microsoft's most supported languages in the development environment 'Visual Studio', as well as within the Microsoft certification programs. This type of huge promotion and broad certification selection from MS merely enhance the validity of understanding C in the early stages of almost any programming training course. The initial variation of 'C' was made in the 1960's, even though it wasn't then referred to as such. In the decade of the 80's, the move took place to 'object-oriented' C++ . This means the program can be multiple 'objects' communicating with each other - replacing a single, 'linear' pattern of activities. During the very start of the 21st century, MS launched a .NET enabled version which came to be named C# ('C' sharp,) taking us to where we are today. .NET was obviously a large advancement, as Windows software writers could now access pre written programs that completed a lot of the elementary tasks for them.

Just like with any other technical qualification, a precise understanding should be worked out on where it is you want to reach, to ensure that the best approach to that position can be calculated. Accepting a training program in some sort of ad hoc manner might easily bring about you arriving at a completely different position to the one you assumed you were working hard towards. Software & programming qualifications are not necessarily straightforward, & if you do not pick them very carefully it might look like you're treading through a mine-field! Our industry advisors can help to simplify everything to suit your needs. Don't fritter away your time (& a lot of your hard earned money) by missing out on this important step.

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