Computer Programmers
Official O*NET title: Computer Programmers (15-1251.00)
Also called: analyst programmer, application programmer analyst, computer programmer, computer programmer analyst, internet programmer
Do you do this at work?
Answer each card — it takes about a minute.
Do you do this at work?
Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to make sure that the desired results are produced
Swipe right for yes, left for not me. On a keyboard: → yes, ← not me, Z undo. +2 XP per answer.
How AI is changing computer programmers work
10 of 13 measurable main tasks for this job show up in real AI-use data, so we rate it Red (lots of AI use) — 77%.
This shows where people already use AI, not whether the job will disappear. How we measure this.
Tasks in this job and recorded AI use
- Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to make sure that the desired results are produced (main task) — a lot of recorded AI use
- Write, update, and maintain computer programs or software packages to handle specific jobs such as tracking inventory, storing or retrieving data, or controlling other equipment (main task) — a lot of recorded AI use
- Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic (main task) — a lot of recorded AI use
- Consult with and assist computer operators or system analysts to define and resolve problems in running computer programs (main task) — a lot of recorded AI use
- Compile and write documentation of program development and later revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program (main task) — a lot of recorded AI use
- Prepare detailed workflow charts and diagrams that describe input, output, and logical operation, and convert them into a series of instructions coded in a computer language (main task) — a lot of recorded AI use
- Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements (main task) — a lot of recorded AI use
- Investigate whether networks, workstations, the central processing unit of the system, or peripheral equipment are responding to a program's instructions (main task) — some recorded AI use
- Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical staff to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes (main task) — some recorded AI use
- Perform systems analysis and programming tasks to maintain and control the use of computer systems software as a systems programmer (main task) — some recorded AI use
- Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Write or contribute to instructions or manuals to guide end users (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Assign, coordinate, and review work and activities of programming staff (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Develop Web sites — a lot of recorded AI use
- Collaborate with computer manufacturers and other users to develop new programming methods — some recorded AI use
- Train subordinates in programming and program coding — no recorded AI use
- Train users on the use and function of computer programs — no recorded AI use
Tasks: O*NET 31.0. AI use: Anthropic Economic Index (exact or close text match).
Your first steps (guidance)
- Week 1: Open a free AI assistant and say hello. Follow our “Getting started with AI” guide. Ask it one simple question about your work.
- Week 2: Use AI on one task you do often. Try the prompt for: “Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to make sure that the desired results are produced”. Try the prompt for: “Write, update, and maintain computer programs or software packages to handle specific jobs such as tracking inventory, storing or retrieving data, or controlling other equipment”.
Tick your own tasks above to get a plan based on what you really do. The first 2 weeks are free; Premium (coming soon) adds weeks 3–12. New to AI? Read our beginner’s guide.
Questions about AI and computer programmers
Will AI replace computer programmers?
Our data can’t predict job losses, and we don’t try to. What it does show: 10 of the 13 main tasks for this job match tasks people already use AI for (Anthropic Economic Index), giving a Red rating (lots of AI use). Using AI on a task is not the same as AI doing the whole job, and 5 of the 17 listed tasks show no recorded AI use yet.
Which computer programmer tasks is AI used for most?
In the data, the most AI use among this job’s tasks is for: correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to make sure that the desired results are produced; write, update, and maintain computer programs or software packages to handle specific jobs such as tracking inventory, storing or retrieving data, or controlling other equipment; write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.
Which computer programmer tasks show little or no AI use?
For example: conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct; write or contribute to instructions or manuals to guide end users; assign, coordinate, and review work and activities of programming staff. These are good places to keep building your own skills.
How does this job compare to others?
In Microsoft Research’s “Working with AI” study, this job’s AI applicability score is equal to or higher than 90% of the occupations they scored. That measures overlap with AI chat use, not risk of job loss.
How can a computer programmer start learning AI?
Start small: open a free AI assistant, try it on one task you do often, and always check facts and numbers yourself. The plan on this page is guidance, not professional advice.
See how this job ranks
Computer Programmers ranks #35 of 572 jobs for the share of main tasks with AI use (#1 = most), and #6 of 30 in Tech. It’s in our top 50 jobs most changed by AI.
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