5 answers
Corey
Student
New Orleans, Louisiana
3
Questions
Updated
270 views
What is the day-by-day lifestyle like as a computer programmer?
I'm interested in understanding how my days would go in this career path.
5 answers
Biplab Panda
Engagement Director
116
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Biplab’s Answer
Hi Corey,
Although I'm not a programmer myself, many of my colleagues are, and their experiences are somewhat similar to this:
A day in the life of a computer programmer typically involves writing and testing code, collaborating with team members, and troubleshooting problems. The workday can vary depending on the type of programming (e.g., web development, software development, system programming), the size of the company, and the specific project, but here’s an overview of what a typical day might look like:
1. Review of Tasks/Emails
- Start of the day: The day often begins by reviewing emails and communication from colleagues or clients. Programmers check for any updates on projects, bug reports, or new features that need to be worked on.
- Some programmers may also review their task list or project management tools (e.g., Jira, Trello) to prioritize their work for the day.
2. Team Stand-Up Meeting (If Applicable)
- Collaborative meeting: Many software teams use a daily stand-up meeting (often part of Agile practices) to quickly go over what each team member is working on. The meeting typically lasts 15-30 minutes and allows everyone to align on goals, share progress, and discuss any blockers.
3. Code Review
- Collaborative coding: If there’s a code review process in place, the programmer might spend some time reviewing others’ code or having their own code reviewed. This helps ensure the quality of the codebase and can provide learning opportunities for both parties.
4. Writing New Code
- Main task: After meetings and review sessions, a programmer typically dives into writing new code or working on a specific module. This might involve:
- Writing new features or functions
- Fixing bugs or performance issues
- Implementing new software or enhancing existing systems
- Programmers often use IDE (Integrated Development Environment) tools like Visual Studio Code, IntelliJ IDEA, or Eclipse for coding, and version control tools like Git to manage code changes.
5. Collaboration with Other Teams
- Cross-team collaboration: If a programmer is working on a large project, they might collaborate with other departments (e.g., UI/UX designers, product managers, QA testers) to ensure the software meets both technical and user requirements.
- They may also attend meetings to discuss product specifications or new features with stakeholders.
---
Lunch Break:
- Most programmers take a lunch break, either in the office, at home, or with colleagues. It’s a chance to relax and recharge for the rest of the day.
---
Afternoon:
6. Debugging and Problem Solving
- Troubleshooting: A big part of a programmer’s day involves debugging. Whether it’s fixing a bug that was reported or testing their code to ensure it works as intended, troubleshooting is a key task. This can be time-consuming, requiring focus to pinpoint the issue and resolve it.
- Testing: Programmers often run unit tests or work with the QA team to ensure their code is functioning as expected.
7. Implementing Feedback
- Iteration: After receiving feedback on their code or discussing solutions in meetings, programmers may need to modify or optimize their code to meet requirements. This could involve improving performance, adding comments for clarity, or refactoring existing code.
8. More Coding and Finalizing Tasks
- As the end of the day approaches, programmers continue working on tasks or coding projects that were started earlier. If they’re working on a tight deadline, they may focus on completing specific features or milestones.
- They might also write documentation for the code they’ve written, explaining its function and structure so others can understand and maintain it in the future.
9. End-of-Day Wrap-Up
- Wrapping up the day: Programmers usually wrap up their day by making sure their code is committed to the version control system, reviewing their to-do list, and setting up tasks for the next day.
- They may also document any issues they encountered or create tickets for bugs that need to be fixed in the future.
Hope this helps, and good luck!
Although I'm not a programmer myself, many of my colleagues are, and their experiences are somewhat similar to this:
A day in the life of a computer programmer typically involves writing and testing code, collaborating with team members, and troubleshooting problems. The workday can vary depending on the type of programming (e.g., web development, software development, system programming), the size of the company, and the specific project, but here’s an overview of what a typical day might look like:
1. Review of Tasks/Emails
- Start of the day: The day often begins by reviewing emails and communication from colleagues or clients. Programmers check for any updates on projects, bug reports, or new features that need to be worked on.
- Some programmers may also review their task list or project management tools (e.g., Jira, Trello) to prioritize their work for the day.
2. Team Stand-Up Meeting (If Applicable)
- Collaborative meeting: Many software teams use a daily stand-up meeting (often part of Agile practices) to quickly go over what each team member is working on. The meeting typically lasts 15-30 minutes and allows everyone to align on goals, share progress, and discuss any blockers.
3. Code Review
- Collaborative coding: If there’s a code review process in place, the programmer might spend some time reviewing others’ code or having their own code reviewed. This helps ensure the quality of the codebase and can provide learning opportunities for both parties.
4. Writing New Code
- Main task: After meetings and review sessions, a programmer typically dives into writing new code or working on a specific module. This might involve:
- Writing new features or functions
- Fixing bugs or performance issues
- Implementing new software or enhancing existing systems
- Programmers often use IDE (Integrated Development Environment) tools like Visual Studio Code, IntelliJ IDEA, or Eclipse for coding, and version control tools like Git to manage code changes.
5. Collaboration with Other Teams
- Cross-team collaboration: If a programmer is working on a large project, they might collaborate with other departments (e.g., UI/UX designers, product managers, QA testers) to ensure the software meets both technical and user requirements.
- They may also attend meetings to discuss product specifications or new features with stakeholders.
---
Lunch Break:
- Most programmers take a lunch break, either in the office, at home, or with colleagues. It’s a chance to relax and recharge for the rest of the day.
---
Afternoon:
6. Debugging and Problem Solving
- Troubleshooting: A big part of a programmer’s day involves debugging. Whether it’s fixing a bug that was reported or testing their code to ensure it works as intended, troubleshooting is a key task. This can be time-consuming, requiring focus to pinpoint the issue and resolve it.
- Testing: Programmers often run unit tests or work with the QA team to ensure their code is functioning as expected.
7. Implementing Feedback
- Iteration: After receiving feedback on their code or discussing solutions in meetings, programmers may need to modify or optimize their code to meet requirements. This could involve improving performance, adding comments for clarity, or refactoring existing code.
8. More Coding and Finalizing Tasks
- As the end of the day approaches, programmers continue working on tasks or coding projects that were started earlier. If they’re working on a tight deadline, they may focus on completing specific features or milestones.
- They might also write documentation for the code they’ve written, explaining its function and structure so others can understand and maintain it in the future.
9. End-of-Day Wrap-Up
- Wrapping up the day: Programmers usually wrap up their day by making sure their code is committed to the version control system, reviewing their to-do list, and setting up tasks for the next day.
- They may also document any issues they encountered or create tickets for bugs that need to be fixed in the future.
Hope this helps, and good luck!
Utkarsh Aryan
Software Development Engineer
6
Answers
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Updated
Utkarsh’s Answer
Hi Corey,
Computer Programmer encompasses a wide range of careers and you day-to-day will vary widely between them. Like in certain fields like in Game development, there's more pressure on programmers due to tight deadlines and so, they find it difficult to find a good work-life balance.
You also have to deal with meetings and discussions with other stakeholders like design team or sales or QA etc.
If I have to share my personal experience as an Mobile application developer, I will say it will be 70-80% actual programming and 20-30% other stuff.
Currently, most of my meeting is with my team to define clear requirements and prioritise tasks. But occasionally I also have to deal with QA to define testing plans or resolve bugs encountered by them.
This will of course change as you go higher in your career path. But be prepared for this.
As for work pressure, that is purely seasonal. Like when you are near a release deadline, you might have to work longer to get everything sorted. But in general, you can easily maintain a good work-life balance.
Computer Programmer encompasses a wide range of careers and you day-to-day will vary widely between them. Like in certain fields like in Game development, there's more pressure on programmers due to tight deadlines and so, they find it difficult to find a good work-life balance.
You also have to deal with meetings and discussions with other stakeholders like design team or sales or QA etc.
If I have to share my personal experience as an Mobile application developer, I will say it will be 70-80% actual programming and 20-30% other stuff.
Currently, most of my meeting is with my team to define clear requirements and prioritise tasks. But occasionally I also have to deal with QA to define testing plans or resolve bugs encountered by them.
This will of course change as you go higher in your career path. But be prepared for this.
As for work pressure, that is purely seasonal. Like when you are near a release deadline, you might have to work longer to get everything sorted. But in general, you can easily maintain a good work-life balance.
Teklemuz Tesfay
Web Developer
22
Answers
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz’s Answer
As a computer programmer, your day-to-day life typically involves a blend of focused coding, collaboration with colleagues, and problem-solving. Here's what a typical day might look like:
Morning:
Your day often starts with a review of your tasks, emails, or messages. You may begin by joining a standup meeting with your team to discuss what you accomplished the previous day, what you'll work on today, and any blockers you're facing. After that, you'll dive into focused coding, whether it's developing a new feature, fixing bugs, or working on system optimizations. This is usually your most productive time.
Midday:
After a productive morning, you take a lunch break, which helps recharge your mind and body. During this time, you may step away from the screen, grab something to eat, or take a quick walk to refresh yourself.
Afternoon:
Post-lunch, you return to coding or debugging tasks. If you're working in a team, this could also be when you review code submitted by others or collaborate with colleagues on new features or issues. You may also attend meetings to discuss project updates, timelines, or other technical matters. At times, you might be troubleshooting tricky problems or optimizing your code for better performance.
Late Afternoon:
Later in the day, you wrap up your coding tasks, test your work, and make sure everything is functioning properly. If you’re following an Agile methodology, you might also update your project management tools (like Jira or Trello) to reflect your progress. Before ending the day, you may review your goals for tomorrow and document any insights or issues that came up during your work.
After Hours:
Outside of your regular work hours, many programmers continue to learn by reading tech blogs, taking online courses, or working on personal projects. This is important to stay updated with new programming languages, frameworks, and tools.
In general, a programmer’s day involves a lot of time in front of a computer, solving complex problems, collaborating with teammates, and continuously learning. It’s a mix of individual focus and teamwork, with the need for good time management and regular breaks to maintain productivity and mental well-being. I hope you will find this helpful.
Morning:
Your day often starts with a review of your tasks, emails, or messages. You may begin by joining a standup meeting with your team to discuss what you accomplished the previous day, what you'll work on today, and any blockers you're facing. After that, you'll dive into focused coding, whether it's developing a new feature, fixing bugs, or working on system optimizations. This is usually your most productive time.
Midday:
After a productive morning, you take a lunch break, which helps recharge your mind and body. During this time, you may step away from the screen, grab something to eat, or take a quick walk to refresh yourself.
Afternoon:
Post-lunch, you return to coding or debugging tasks. If you're working in a team, this could also be when you review code submitted by others or collaborate with colleagues on new features or issues. You may also attend meetings to discuss project updates, timelines, or other technical matters. At times, you might be troubleshooting tricky problems or optimizing your code for better performance.
Late Afternoon:
Later in the day, you wrap up your coding tasks, test your work, and make sure everything is functioning properly. If you’re following an Agile methodology, you might also update your project management tools (like Jira or Trello) to reflect your progress. Before ending the day, you may review your goals for tomorrow and document any insights or issues that came up during your work.
After Hours:
Outside of your regular work hours, many programmers continue to learn by reading tech blogs, taking online courses, or working on personal projects. This is important to stay updated with new programming languages, frameworks, and tools.
In general, a programmer’s day involves a lot of time in front of a computer, solving complex problems, collaborating with teammates, and continuously learning. It’s a mix of individual focus and teamwork, with the need for good time management and regular breaks to maintain productivity and mental well-being. I hope you will find this helpful.
Iryna Tam
Writer, copywriter
188
Answers
Hagerstown, Maryland
Updated
Iryna’s Answer
Hi Cory!
Life as a programmer can vary widely depending on the specific job, company culture, and personal preferences. However, here’s a general overview of what a typical day might look like for a programmer, including tasks, environment, and some aspects of work-life balance.
Daily Life of a Programmer
1. Morning Routine
Start the Day: Most programmers begin their day by checking emails and messages to stay updated on team communications or project developments.
Daily Stand-Up Meetings: In Agile environments, a brief daily stand-up meeting (usually 15 minutes) is common. Team members share what they accomplished yesterday, what they plan to work on today, and any roadblocks they face.
2. Coding and Development
Writing Code: Much of a programmer's day is spent writing, testing, and debugging code. This can involve working on new features, fixing bugs, or improving existing code.
Code Reviews: Programmers often participate in code reviews—discussing and reviewing each other’s code to ensure quality and share knowledge.
3. Problem Solving
Troubleshooting: As part of development, programmers frequently encounter issues that require problem-solving skills. This might involve debugging code, researching solutions online, or collaborating with colleagues to resolve complex challenges.
Design and Architecture: In addition to coding, programmers might spend time designing software architecture or planning out how different components of a software application will interact.
4. Collaboration
Teamwork: Programmers often work closely with other team members such as designers, product managers, and quality assurance testers. This collaboration can include joint planning sessions, discussions about user experience, and testing features together.
Documentation: Writing clear documentation is important for maintaining codebases and helping others understand how to use or build upon existing code.
5. Learning and Development
Continuous Learning: Technology is always evolving. Programmers often spend time learning new languages, frameworks, or tools, whether through online courses, reading articles, or attending workshops.
Personal Projects: Some programmers work on personal coding projects outside of their job hours to explore new technologies or build a portfolio.
6. Lunch and Breaks
Break Time: Taking breaks is essential for maintaining productivity and focus. Lunch might be spent with coworkers, practicing social interactions, or enjoying activities such as a walk or workout.
7. Afternoon Tasks
Continued Development: After lunch, programmers typically continue coding, problem-solving, and collaborating with their team.
Meetings: Depending on the company culture, there might be additional meetings later in the day for project updates, sprint planning, or brainstorming sessions.
8. End of the Day
Review Progress: At the end of the day, a programmer might review what they accomplished, update task boards (like Jira or Trello), and prepare for the next day’s work.
Wrap-Up: Many programmers make note of any outstanding issues or updates needed for projects and close their workstations down for the day.
Work Environment
Office Setting: Programmers may work in a traditional office environment, a tech hub, or remotely from home. Open office layouts are common, fostering collaboration.
Remote Work: Many companies offer remote or hybrid work options, providing flexibility in work hours and environment.
Work-Life Balance
Flexibility: Some programming jobs allow for flexible hours, but this can vary by employer. Many developers appreciate the autonomy over their schedules as long as project deadlines are met.
Deadlines: During crunch times or project launches, you might experience longer hours, but many companies also encourage taking time off after intense work periods.
A programmer's daily life is often a balance of coding, collaboration, problem-solving, and continuous learning. It's a role that can be highly rewarding, especially for those who enjoy logical thinking, creativity, and technology. Each programmer’s experience will differ, but the core elements remain similar across the industry. If you enjoy working with technology and solving problems, a career in programming could be a great fit for you!
Life as a programmer can vary widely depending on the specific job, company culture, and personal preferences. However, here’s a general overview of what a typical day might look like for a programmer, including tasks, environment, and some aspects of work-life balance.
Daily Life of a Programmer
1. Morning Routine
Start the Day: Most programmers begin their day by checking emails and messages to stay updated on team communications or project developments.
Daily Stand-Up Meetings: In Agile environments, a brief daily stand-up meeting (usually 15 minutes) is common. Team members share what they accomplished yesterday, what they plan to work on today, and any roadblocks they face.
2. Coding and Development
Writing Code: Much of a programmer's day is spent writing, testing, and debugging code. This can involve working on new features, fixing bugs, or improving existing code.
Code Reviews: Programmers often participate in code reviews—discussing and reviewing each other’s code to ensure quality and share knowledge.
3. Problem Solving
Troubleshooting: As part of development, programmers frequently encounter issues that require problem-solving skills. This might involve debugging code, researching solutions online, or collaborating with colleagues to resolve complex challenges.
Design and Architecture: In addition to coding, programmers might spend time designing software architecture or planning out how different components of a software application will interact.
4. Collaboration
Teamwork: Programmers often work closely with other team members such as designers, product managers, and quality assurance testers. This collaboration can include joint planning sessions, discussions about user experience, and testing features together.
Documentation: Writing clear documentation is important for maintaining codebases and helping others understand how to use or build upon existing code.
5. Learning and Development
Continuous Learning: Technology is always evolving. Programmers often spend time learning new languages, frameworks, or tools, whether through online courses, reading articles, or attending workshops.
Personal Projects: Some programmers work on personal coding projects outside of their job hours to explore new technologies or build a portfolio.
6. Lunch and Breaks
Break Time: Taking breaks is essential for maintaining productivity and focus. Lunch might be spent with coworkers, practicing social interactions, or enjoying activities such as a walk or workout.
7. Afternoon Tasks
Continued Development: After lunch, programmers typically continue coding, problem-solving, and collaborating with their team.
Meetings: Depending on the company culture, there might be additional meetings later in the day for project updates, sprint planning, or brainstorming sessions.
8. End of the Day
Review Progress: At the end of the day, a programmer might review what they accomplished, update task boards (like Jira or Trello), and prepare for the next day’s work.
Wrap-Up: Many programmers make note of any outstanding issues or updates needed for projects and close their workstations down for the day.
Work Environment
Office Setting: Programmers may work in a traditional office environment, a tech hub, or remotely from home. Open office layouts are common, fostering collaboration.
Remote Work: Many companies offer remote or hybrid work options, providing flexibility in work hours and environment.
Work-Life Balance
Flexibility: Some programming jobs allow for flexible hours, but this can vary by employer. Many developers appreciate the autonomy over their schedules as long as project deadlines are met.
Deadlines: During crunch times or project launches, you might experience longer hours, but many companies also encourage taking time off after intense work periods.
A programmer's daily life is often a balance of coding, collaboration, problem-solving, and continuous learning. It's a role that can be highly rewarding, especially for those who enjoy logical thinking, creativity, and technology. Each programmer’s experience will differ, but the core elements remain similar across the industry. If you enjoy working with technology and solving problems, a career in programming could be a great fit for you!
Sreeja Lekkala
Software Engineer
2
Answers
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Updated
Sreeja’s Answer
Hi Corey!
My take, the day as a computer programmer would mainly entitle sitting at one place and living in a different world even surrounded by people.(FYI: Just kidding)
But there more to it also. As everyone stated it is often a balance of problem solving and collaboration. We have think logically to solve the problem statement, there might be many approaches but we should implement the code in a time and resource efficient way. We have read about the existing solutions in market and use the best tools to achieve the solution to the problem.
We might get errors and need to take help from others in the coding community. We have to read blogs about the latest developments in the industry and evolve with the best practices. We would need to help with the planning of the tasks too. There might be bugs with the code written which you would have not encountered during your dev testing.
It might sound complex and tedious but it is one of the most entertaining jobs. It gives you the excitement everyday and helps you grow as person too with the continuous evolution.
My take, the day as a computer programmer would mainly entitle sitting at one place and living in a different world even surrounded by people.(FYI: Just kidding)
But there more to it also. As everyone stated it is often a balance of problem solving and collaboration. We have think logically to solve the problem statement, there might be many approaches but we should implement the code in a time and resource efficient way. We have read about the existing solutions in market and use the best tools to achieve the solution to the problem.
We might get errors and need to take help from others in the coding community. We have to read blogs about the latest developments in the industry and evolve with the best practices. We would need to help with the planning of the tasks too. There might be bugs with the code written which you would have not encountered during your dev testing.
It might sound complex and tedious but it is one of the most entertaining jobs. It gives you the excitement everyday and helps you grow as person too with the continuous evolution.
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