A few CS questions

ucbalumnus
Tue, 12 Feb 2013 14:56:18 +0000

The BLS definitions of programmer and software engineer are as follows:

http://www.bls.gov/soc/soc_2010_definitions.pdf
[Computer Programmers : Occupational Outlook Handbook : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics](Computer Programmers : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
[Software Developers : Occupational Outlook Handbook : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics](Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

From the first link:



BLS:

15-1131 Computer Programmers
Create, modify, and test the code, forms, and script that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software developers or other individuals. May assist software developers by analyzing user needs and designing software solutions. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.
Illustrative examples: Applications Programmer, Computer Language Coder, Systems Programmer

15-1132 Software Developers, Applications
Develop, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions. Design software or customize software for client use with the aim of optimizing operational efficiency. May analyze and design databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team. May supervise computer programmers.
Illustrative examples: Computer Applications Engineer, Database Developer, Software Applications Architect, Software Applications Engineer

15-1133 Software Developers, Systems Software
Research, design, develop, and test operating systems-level software, compilers, and network distribution software for medical, industrial, military, communications, aerospace, business, scientific, and general computing applications. Set operational specifications and formulate and analyze software requirements. May design embedded systems software. Apply principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis.
Illustrative examples: Computer Systems Software Architect, Embedded Systems Software Developer, Software Systems Engineer