Computer Programming, also known as software development or engineering, is another extensive field of I.T.. Software engineering has, by definition, been around as many years as the the computers that run those programs. Virtually all electronic-devices would be nothing more than dumb boxes if they did not contain software systems. Almost every bit of technology that exists has a program running it. Undoubtedly, a lot of it is what we call firmware, or a simple operating-system that allows the equipment to operate; video recorders and DVD or Blu-ray players are good examples. The on-screen interface which you use to set up a TV recording, or even the Navigation Menu which pops up when you're watching a DVD or Blu-ray is all software. The simple fact that you can see a film when you press 'play' on a DVD or Blu-ray player, is just a function of a bit of a software program which draws the 1's & 0's off a disc, and then decrypts them straight into video 'information' at amazing speed.

C is one of the most commercially viable languages for the newer computer-programmer to begin studying. Not only is it highly disciplined, its also the basis for many other more up to date programming-languages. Therefore when you've got the hang of 'C', getting to grips with other languages will be much easier. Its also the primary systems 'language', and is one of MS's chief supported languages both in 'Visual Studio' (the Microsoft development environment,) & their accreditation structure. This kind of substantial promotion and wide accreditation selection from MS only enhance the validity of mastering C in the early stages of almost any programming training course. Even though it wasn't known as 'C' until the '70's, the 'language' started its existence a decade earlier. In the 1980's, the transition was made to 'object-oriented' 'C++' . This means the program can be numerous objects conversing with each other - replacing a single, linear sequence of activities. During the very start of the 21st century, Microsoft launched a '.NET' enabled edition which came to be referred to as C# ('C' Sharp,) bringing us all to where we are today. The '.Net' identifies a software-framework built by MS that permits 'Windows' programmers to access a whole bunch of pre written libraries, which execute lots of basic tasks without programmers having to write them themselves.

At its simplest level then, we could say programming is merely communicating to electronic equipment how to do its job by using certain languages. As you would imagine, that vastly over simplifies the task. There are likely to be up to a hundred programs working in the background of your 'Windows' desk-top computer. They are what in fact allow you to perform tasks as they maintain the whole system. Essentially, there's two types of software programs for PC's; the operating system (or low-level) software, & the applications which run together with them. 'Windows' from MS is probably the operating-system most of us know best. An entire suite of software programs need to interact here to ensure your PC does every little thing you ask of it - from running your desktop space, to managing your interaction with it, to connecting you to the web or to your network etc.

Systems-programmers work in low level languages such as 'C', although modern day C is a far cry from where it started - and is actually a lot more easy to use now. Applications-programmers work in many different higher-level languages, - there are too many to name them all, but each will have their own unique set of instructions and rules - & may suit one task more readily than another. So database programs are probably going to be written in an appropriate 'language' that sits well in the database environment, but games programs have to have a low-level 'language' (such as 'C') to work quickly enough. With database applications, split second timing really isn't important, but with video games 'applications' its very crucial indeed! Therefore, a database-oriented language provides functions built to help make your work a lot easier - rather than strip things out to make it run faster. We could compare it to the big difference between a racing-car and a family-estate. The estate car is more relaxing & cost-effective, but the trade off is speed and handling. For driving on long excursions with the children though, the practical aspects are more relevant.

We are now experiencing a fast-progressing trend towards internet & network based software, as the concept of 'cloud computing' starts to become a reality. What this means is all of your files are located remotely, so that you can access them from any place you happen to be. Every little thing - right down to the basic-processing - is carried out within the cloud of computers. Your only requirement ultimately is going to be an extremely basic, slightly-dumb terminal that's plugged (or wirelessly connected) into the Network.

Recognising where it is you want to reach is essential before beginning this or any other specialist accreditation program, so that you can schedule the most efficient route. If you merely embark on training but avoid focusing on exactly where you want to finally end up, you will likely arrive and find you're in some other position entirely! The I.T. field can seem to be very confusing to an 'outsider', and software accreditations sometimes just resemble a list of Acronyms! We would suggest you discuss things with an experienced advisor before you finalise your full career path. You might save months or even sometimes years of precious time, & a lot of investment with an informed conversation.

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