{"id":11015,"date":"2013-03-22T09:32:17","date_gmt":"2013-03-22T14:32:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.ict-pulse.com\/?p=11015"},"modified":"2013-03-22T09:47:22","modified_gmt":"2013-03-22T14:47:22","slug":"key-considerations-computer-programming-innovation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ict-pulse.com\/2013\/03\/key-considerations-computer-programming-innovation\/","title":{"rendered":"Key considerations on computer programming and innovation"},"content":{"rendered":"

A quick look at some key elements when considering computer programming and the need for societies to generate more coders to continue to support innovation.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Programming<\/a>It is being widely reported in industry-related publications that there is increasing demand for computer programming skills, and in the next few years demand will outstrip supply. In the Caribbean, many of our programming graduates have been unable to find employment using those skills. Hence they tend to work professionally in a related field, and code privately. Nevertheless, recognizing the opportunities that current computing devices now afford persons to understand the technology, or to develop software applications, we briefly discuss a few of the underpinnings of computer programming that could have an impact in the longer term.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Where is the money? What coding languages are in demand?<\/h3>\n
\"Table<\/a>

Table 1: Popular and in demand programming languages as at March 2013 (Source: Tiobe & Jobs Tractor)<\/p><\/div>\n

As it currently stands, there are hundreds of computer programming languages from which a software developer can choose. Some might be derivatives of another language, but it still makes the selection process difficult, and perhaps even overwhelming. However, with such an extensive list, some have become languages more widely used, and have even become a standard, or the \u201cgo to\u201d ones for specific purposes.<\/p>\n

To varying degrees, schools and universities can influence the popularity of particular programming languages, and foster their evolution and development. However, it is important to appreciate that what might the preferred languages in the industry might not be exactly aligned with those popular within the developer community. Table 1 shows the top ranked popular programming languages and those that are in demand by employers as at March 2013.<\/p>\n

Impact of STEM<\/h3>\n

In tandem with the focus on computer programming, great concern has been expressed regarding Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in terms of:<\/p>\n