Database Reference
In-Depth Information
A programmer is a person who writes, tests, debugs, and maintains the detailed instruc-
tions, called computer programs. There are mainly two types of computer programmers,
system and application programmers. Systems programmers, write programs to manage
and maintain computer systems software, such as operating systems and utility software.
Application software is written according to the requirements of the users/ organizations.
Programmer converts that software design into a logical series of instructions that the com-
puter can follow. Application programmers write programs to handle a specific job, such
as a program for railways reservation, hospital management, banking, inventory control
etc. Different programming languages are used depending on the use of the program. Data-
base programmers write programs to access data and perform calculations. These pro-
grams could be written in General Purpose Programming languages such as Visual Basic,
Developer, C, FORTRAN, COBOL etc. to manipulate the database. These application pro-
grams operate on the data to perform various operations such as retaining information, cre-
ating new information, deleting or changing existing information.
For example, these days Visual Basic is a very popular language for front end program-
ming. Menus, forms, Macros and reports are created by visual basic language, can be con-
nected with back-end DBMS, with the help of software tools and utilities. Another job of
database programmers is to manage information of an organization without reducing the
flexibility of data storage, manipulation and retrieval process. In the process testing and de-
bugging, programmer test program, makes the appropriate modification, then rechecks the
program until an acceptably low level. Programmers prepare program documentation and
writes operating procedure.
1.4.5 System Analysts
System analysis and design involves the building of systems. The systems analyst plays a
vital role in the systems development process. System analysts are the architect of the sys-
tems. The Systems analysts bring the users and owners ideas together to create a solution
for their business needs. System analysis and design are two different activities preformed
by system analysts. A systems analyst must attain skills like technical, managerial, analyt-
ical, and interpersonal. There are major objectives of system analyst:
1. Defines the overall objectives of the system project.
2. Creates a road map of the existing organization/system, identifying the creators of data
and the primary user of data.
3. Describes hardware and software that serves the organizations.
4. Interacts with the customers to know their requirements
