The Differences Between System Analyst And Computer Programmer

Systems analysis and design differs from computer programming, The differences between systems analysis and computer programming can be described by showing what each is about, the skills needed and the kind of work involved in each. Systems analysts enhance and develop information systems and information technology to get the best benefits for a business. Mainly, systems analysts solve business problems. Solving business problems require several steps.

First step, identifying and analyzing the problem. Afterward, identifying the solutions or expectations. When a decision is made for the solution, systems analysts design and implement that solution. Finally, system analysts test the results to see if the solution solved the problem. Otherwise, systems analysts go back to find alternative solutions. Primarily, systems analysts deal with business and computer-based situations.

Consequently, a systems analyst need knowledge in both business and computer-based fields. For instance, in the business field, a person can have a variety of skills in subjects like accounting, business law and ethics, economics, finance, manufacturing, marketing, organizational behavior, and so on. On the other hand, computer-based knowledge may not be as necessary. The business might have an assigned team or group of programmers who are professionals to do the programming part.

Systems analysts need to have working knowledge in many information technologies. Some examples include networking, graphical user interfaces, database programming and design, software and application development, and Internet manipulation. Some medium and large businesses hold seminars to keep employees updated on new technologies. Another skill that systems analysts should definitely have is communication skill. Communication is very important to systems analysts, in both writing and speaking, because the process of solving a business problem require communication with many people in the business. Systems analysts communicate with the business system owner’s to identify the problem with the system, they communicate with the users of the system to figure out the needs or find out solutions to problems, and they deal with programmers in order to use the information technology to solve the system’s problem. Thus, communication skill is a significant factor in the success of a systems analyst in solving a business problem.

Some examples of subjects that could be very helpful to effectively improve personal communication skills are business speaking, business writing, interviewing, technical discussion, and technical writing. Systems analysts can work in many of businesses. Several of the modern businesses focus on the use of technologies in their systems. Systems analysts work with almost every department of the business that is involved in solving the system problem. In some cases, systems analysts specialize in business problems or in computer-based problems depending on the specifications of the problem. Occasionally during the process of solving the problem, system analysts come across confidential documents or data, like employees personal information. The protection of this information is a huge responsibility. Systems analysts must hold a very important characteristic, which is ethics. Ethics is the standards governing the conduct of a person. Trust is easy to lose but hard to gain.

In computer programming, a person only needs to have knowledge on how to program by using any high-level language. Java, C, and C++ are examples of high-level languages. A computer programmer only specializes in programming. Having other skills would be bonuses which differentiate one from another for better job opportunities. Computer programmers sometimes seek knowledge in other computer-based areas like networking, graphical user interfaces, and many others which are sometimes the same as what systems analysts seek. Not every systems analyst is a computer programmer and not every computer programmer is a systems analyst. You may find a systems analyst who is very expert in computer programming, and at the same time, you may find a computer programmer who is very professional in systems analysis.

Computer programmers can be more dedicated to programming regardless of other skills they may posses that are not typically require of a computer programmer. Computer programmers work for companies or are hired by corporations to do specific projects. In big corporations, computer programmers do not usually do the programming projects by themselves, but work in groups. While programming, the use of programming languages or any other intellectual property of the company must be legal. Many corporations provide training seminars to the employees about company ethics. Computer programmers must have the characteristic of ethics.

Systems analysis and computer programming are related in some way or another, but they are not exactly the same. Systems analysis requires a variety of skills. On the contrary, computer programming is more focused on a certain emphasis of study. Systems analysis and computer programming, like any other profession, compel to have a sense of ethics.

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