Job Check
Computer 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.
10 main tasks · most important first
Your main tasks and AI
Importance- 01Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.People already use AI for this at work
- 02Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.People already use AI for this at work
- 03Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.People already use AI for this at work
- 04Write, update, and maintain computer programs or software packages to handle specific jobs such as tracking inventory, storing or retrieving data, or controlling other equipment.People already use AI for this at work
- 05Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.AI could speed this up a lot
- 06Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct.AI could speed this up a lot
- 07Prepare 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.People already use AI for this at work
- 08Compile and write documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program.People already use AI for this at work
- 09Consult with and assist computer operators or system analysts to define and resolve problems in running computer programs.People already use AI for this at work
- 10Perform systems analysis and programming tasks to maintain and control the use of computer systems software as a systems programmer.People already use AI for this at work
Tasks from O*NET® 31.0 (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0, changed by us), most important first. “Already use” comes from Anthropic’s data on real work chats with Claude; “could speed up” from task ratings made with GPT-4 in 2023.
Four studies, side by side
None is a forecast of job loss75%of this job’s work time goes to tasks that people already do with Claude at work, counting tasks where AI only helps as half (2026).Anthropic, 2026
95%of this job’s tasks an AI model could do in half the time, counting tasks that need extra tools as half (rated in 2023).Eloundou, Manning, Mishkin and Rock, 2023
Above 90% of jobsin how often and how well AI helped with this job’s work in Microsoft Copilot chats (2024 data).Microsoft Research (Tomlinson et al.), 2025
Your human edge
AI touches every main task of this job in some way. Your edge is judgment: knowing when AI’s work is right, and checking it before it counts.
AI tools for your work
Official connectors that let an AI assistant work inside the apps software developers use. Each is made by the app’s own maker.