Job description Application Programmer in Ontario

Find out what work is like for an application programmer in Canada. This work description is applicable to all Computer programmers and interactive media developers (NOC 21232).

Software developers and programmers

Description

Software developers and programmers design, write, and test code for new systems and software to ensure efficiency. They create the foundations for operative systems and run diagnostic programs to certify effectiveness. They are employed in computer software, computer and video game development firms, information technology consulting firms, and in information technology units throughout the private and public sectors.

Work week duration

Software developers and programmers usually work between 35 to 40 hours per week.
Between 35 to 40 hours

Job duties

Here are some of the main activities and tasks that Software developers and programmers have to perform, and some of the physical demands they involve:

  • Design, write, read, test, and correct code for new software
  • Analyze information to recommend and plan the installation of new systems or modifications of an existing system
  • Evaluate simple interrelationships between programs such as whether a contemplated change in one part of a program would cause unwanted results in a related part
  • Program animation software to predefined specifications for interactive video games, Internet and mobile applications
  • Write, modify, integrate and test software code for e-commerce, Internet and mobile applications
  • Develop, implement, modify and maintain gameplay features that integrate effectively into existing software
  • Write documentation for new and updated software.

Physical demands Help - Physical Demands

  • Sitting
  • Handling material manually
  • Making repetitive motions

Physical demands

Physical demands are the physical activities that the job requires the worker to do. Physical demands are selected according to the likeliness that workers will have to perform them for at least half of the time they spend at work.

Workplaces and employers

Here are the typical workplaces where Software developers and programmers are employed and some of their main characteristics:

  • Information technology departments in the private and public sectors
  • Information technology consulting firms
  • Computer software, computer and video game development firms
  • Self-employed

Work environment Help - Physical Work Environment

  • Indoors, environmentally controlled

Physical proximity from others Help - Physical proximity from others

  • Somewhat close (e.g. share office)

Work environment

The work environment refers to the physical setting in which people work. The characteristics and conditions of the work environment are selected according to the likeliness that workers will be exposed to them at least once a week.

Physical proximity from others

Physical proximity from others refers to the physical distance between individuals in the workplace. The likeliness that the job requires to perform tasks while being physically close to other people is rated on a scale with 3 levels: "Somewhat close", "Close" and "Very close".

Related job titles

Here are some other related job titles that are found in the same occupational category (NOC 21232), and a list of similar occupations:

  • application programmer
  • computer game developer
  • electronic business (e-business) software developer
  • interactive media developer
  • multimedia developer
  • software developer
  • software development project manager
  • software programmer

Similar occupations Help - Similar occupations

Similar occupations

This section lists other occupations that are part of the same broad occupational category as Software developers and programmers in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). These occupations involve similar core qualifications but involve different responsibilities. To see more similar occupations, use the Job Transition Tool.

Sources Occupational and Skills Information System & National Occupational Classification

Labour Market Information Survey
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