Freelance programmers write and maintain code for software and websites, often working from home for multiple companies. They must know various computer languages and face high demands, but offer flexibility and cost savings for employers. The job is becoming more complex due to the increasing importance of the internet.
A freelance programmer’s job is to translate commands into a language a computer can understand, known as code. After the code is entered and interpreted by the computer, the results are displayed for anyone to see. For this process to take place, the freelance programmer must write a program, test it several times, and maintain it once it is up and running.
Everything on computers, from games to websites, requires coding to work. The login systems, shopping carts, tables, databases and even simple projects were all coded at the same time by one programmer. Not only does he have to learn the many languages involved in most software and Internet sites, but he must also write new programming languages for specific projects. Your work isn’t done until your computer displays the design, content, and applications you need. Tiring hours and high demands are typical parts of this job.
While the most successful freelance programmer can perform myriad roles, programmers are generally divided into two categories. The application programmer writes, tests, and maintains programs for specific software. Most programmers fall into this category. The lesser-known systems programmer is responsible for writing programs for entire computer systems, often including large databases or networked systems.
The freelance part means that the programmer doesn’t work for just one company in an office environment. Instead, freelance programmer jobs are often done from home, and freelancers may work for multiple companies at the same time. The life of a freelancer offers flexibility in a programmer’s work schedule and typically a higher hourly rate, which is why many programmers opt for this title.
Many companies are comfortable hiring freelance programmers because, while they often pay more per hour, they don’t have to pay the benefits that full-time employees receive. This includes healthcare, overtime and paid sick leave. If the company does not like the freelancer’s work, it can simply terminate the employment relationship without having to pay unemployment compensation. Also, most freelance programmers provide their own computer and software, which adds to a company’s savings.
Both freelance and full-time programmers should know several computer languages, as many are similar to each other. Most people have heard of many of these languages, but it usually takes formal classes – or at least intense study – to learn them. These languages range from newer languages like Java, C++ and Visual Basic to older ones like FORTRAN, COBOL and C.
As the Internet now plays a huge role in everyone’s lives, programming has become more necessary and more and more complex. With additional Internet users, more programs must be written, more websites need to be developed, and more applications are needed to satisfy web users. Businesses look to save money in every way they can by increasing their web presence. For these reasons, freelance programming jobs seem to be here to stay.
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