What Is System Programming? (2024)

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

This article provides an overview of system programming and the skills needed to start a career in this field.

What Is System Programming? (1)

System programming involves writing and executing application software programs. Systems programmers use programming languages to develop software and hardware components and control computer operations in a constrained environment.

This article discusses system programming and how to become a systems programmer. It also answers some common programming questions.

System programming defined

System programming is used to develop applications that make life easier. For example, you can walk into a fast-food restaurant, walk to the counter, and place your order with a restaurant employee. Still, with an app developed by a software developer and system programmer, you can place your order on an app inside the store or at home to be picked up later.

Developing a system for food ordering or any other task takes a team of IT engineers and software developers to design and test new applications.

How to write a program

It’s the role of the programming engineer or software developer to write the programming system for an application. The basic steps for writing a program are:

  • Consider how to solve the problem at hand

  • Design a solution to the problem

  • Write the code based on the design

  • Test the code and correct any errors

  • Test the program with users to receive feedback

  • Release the program to the public

Writing the code

System programming requires code writing for building system software. You can write code and save it in plain text using text editors like Windows Notepad or Mac TextEdit, or you can use software tools called code editors to write and edit code more efficiently.

A code editor, or integrated development environment (IDE), formats code, edits it and performs debugging. The software program will identify the programming language, although not all IDEs can read all languages.

Syntax highlighting

An advantage of using an IDE is that the IDE highlights the colour and style of the source code. The IDE will highlight important keywords, syntax errors, and other elements. Highlighting provides different colour markups to validate code is written correctly.

Code testing

When the code is written, it needs to be tested. The code must be tested line-by-line to catch any errors before the application moves to the next step. The development team performs code testing, divided into two testing functions: structural and static.

  • Structural testing is based on the program’s implementation and internal design.

  • Static testing checks for coding defects manually when the program is not running.

How to become a system programmer

To become a system programmer, you will need a certain level of education, experience, and skills. With the right skills, entering the workplace as a system programmer is possible from secondary school. Still, other qualifications are available to increase your chances of reaching higher-level jobs.

Complete 10+2

To begin a career in system programming, you need to complete 10+2 and pass the

Pass the Higher Secondary Certification (HSC) exam in the science stream, including maths, physics, and chemistry, with a score over 55 percent.

Pass entrance exams

If you want to pursue a degree, you will likely need to pass the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main Purpose, the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced, or the Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test (BITSAT), depending on the course you want to apply to. You may need to meet other requirements for the school you choose.

Alternatively, you can earn a diploma in computer programming, software development, or other fields of computer science. A passing score of 45 percent on the Class 10 exam is required.

Earn a degree

To work as a system programmer, employers often require a bachelor's degree in computer science, software development, software engineering, or a related field. A Bachelor of Engineering (BE) or Bachelor of Technology (BTech) are common degree programmes for system programmers. Upon completing a bachelor’s degree, you can pursue a master’s degree programme to earn a Master of Science (MSc) or Master of Technology (MTech).

Learn programming languages

To work in system programming, you’ll need various programming language skills. Among the languages systems programmers should know are C, C++, C#, B#, Java, Python, Perl, Rust, Ada, Go, Verilog, and VHDL. Learning some or all of these languages will benefit your job search.

Develop skills

Along with programming languages, you'll need to develop technical and workplace skills to qualify as a system programmer. Some of the common skills that will help you succeed in this role include the following:

Technical skills

  • Reading system software loading and running instructions

  • Controlling computer inputs and outputs

  • Testing software programs and hardware and identifying errors

  • Fixing errors and modifying system software and hardware to maximise performance

  • Writing reports to document modifications and implement software

  • Preparing workflow charts and diagrams

  • Troubleshooting and solving user-facing issues

  • Analysing performance indicators

Workplace skills

  • Logical thinking

  • Problem-solving

  • Persistence

  • Attention to detail

  • Time management

  • Communication

  • Teamwork

Next steps

If you’re interested in a career in system programming but aren’t sure it’s right for you, Codio offers the Introduction to Operating Systems Specialisation certificate course on Coursera to help you decide. Operating Systems and You: Becoming a Power User provided by Google can earn you a shareable certificate upon completion.

You can take each course online on Coursera and study around your schedule and personal commitments. When you complete a course, add it to your resume or college application to help your job search.

Updated on

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This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

What Is System Programming? (2024)

FAQs

What is the system programming? ›

systems programming, development of computer software that is part of a computer operating system or other control program, especially as used in computer networks. Systems programming covers data and program management, including operating systems, control programs, network software, and database management systems.

What is a system program with an example? ›

System programs communicate and coordinate the activities and functions of hardware and software of a system and also controls the operations of the hardware. An operating system is one of the examples of system software.

Why is system programming important? ›

Its goal is to achieve efficient use of available resources, either because the software itself is performance critical or because even small efficiency improvements directly transform into significant savings of time or money.

What is a system programming class? ›

System programming involves writing and executing application software programs. Systems programmers use programming languages to develop software and hardware components and control computer operations in a constrained environment. This article discusses system programming and how to become a systems programmer.

What do you learn in systems programming? ›

Systems Programmers create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

Which language is used for system programming? ›

System Programming: Systems programmers design and write system software. For example, they might develop a computer's operating system, such as macOS or Windows 10. Although Java and Python are great languages for system programming, C++ is the most popular choice.

What are 5 examples of system programs? ›

Types of System Software
  • Operating System. Operating systems are the most important type of system software. ...
  • Device Drivers. ...
  • Firmware. ...
  • BIOS and UEFI. ...
  • Programming Language Translator. ...
  • Utilities.
Oct 23, 2023

What is a basic example of system? ›

Some examples include transport systems; solar systems; telephone systems; the Dewey Decimal System; weapons systems; ecological systems; space systems; etc. Indeed, it seems there is almost no end to the use of the word “system” in today's society.

How to become a systems programmer? ›

A bachelor's degree in computer science, information science, or management information systems is a minimum requirement for systems programmer/analysts. Course work in preparation for this field includes math, computer programming, science, and logic.

What is programming in simple words? ›

Programming refers to a technological process for telling a computer which tasks to perform in order to solve problems. You can think of programming as a collaboration between humans and computers, in which humans create instructions for a computer to follow (code) in a language computers can understand.

How is programming used in everyday life? ›

Electronic devices like cell phones, laptops, and tablets require code to function properly. Coding allows humans to communicate with these devices. Modern technology such as traffic lights, calculators, smart TVs, and cars use internal coding systems.

Is systems programming in demand? ›

The job outlook for system programmers is growing steadily, driven by an increasing demand for new computer software. As organizations continue to invest in software to run their operations more efficiently, the need for system programmers to develop and maintain these systems will continue to rise.

What do system programmers do? ›

Who is the system programmer? In a mainframe IT organization, the system programmer (or systems programmer) plays a central role. The system programmer installs, customizes, and maintains the operating system, and also installs or upgrades products that run on the system.

What does systems programming aim to produce? ›

The primary distinguishing characteristic of systems programming when compared to application programming is that application programming aims to produce software which provides services to the user directly (e.g. word processor), whereas systems programming aims to produce software and software platforms which provide ...

What are the goals of system software in system programming? ›

Explanation: Convenience : the primary goals of os is to make computer system easier for user i.e. os makes interaction b/w user and hardware. Efficient : the secondary gole of os is to allocate the system resources to various applications program as efficient as possible.

Is C++ a systems programming language? ›

C++ was designed with systems programming and embedded, resource-constrained software and large systems in mind, with performance, efficiency, and flexibility of use as its design highlights.

What is system programming vs application programming? ›

The system programs are used to program the operating system software. While application programs provide software that is used directly by the user, system programs provide software that are used by other systems such as SaaS applications, computational science applications etc.

Is Python a system program? ›

Python is a programming language. You can write programs in Python.

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