Which are the Differences Between a Programmer and a Program Analyst?

Experience is the major difference between a programmer and a program analyst. As we are always asked, we decided to write an article about a program analyst’s daily routine.

Programmer vs. program analyst

The programmer codes software solution’s features that have been defined by the program analyst and the project manager. Roles are split into two categories:

• Difficult features to code that could have consequences on the whole software solution
• Easier features to code.

Thanks to its experience, the program analyst is in charge of difficult features.

The profession

A program analyst is always busy! He has a lot of different roles. Thanks to its analytical mind, he is able to offer the best software solutions’ scenarios possible. His experience, compared to a junior programmer, allows him to understand well clients’ needs. Even if the program analyst profession involves interpersonal skills, he is a technician more than a salesperson. The solution submit to the client will always be an optimal software solution, adjusts to its precise needs.

When does the program analyst intervene during a project?

The program analyst might be here at the very beginning of the project. He meets the client in partnership with the project manager to assess the client’s needs. His role also entails to foresee potential issues. Later during the project, he manages the programmers team in the realization of the software solution approved by the client. He might also help them code. The program analyst also supervises the proper monitoring of the project.

Skills and attribute to be good at this profession

To be efficient, the program analyst must be provided with:

• Good logical skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Teaching skills
• Leadership

Being a program analyst within GTI Canada

GTI Canada is one of the rare companies from Quebec to offer such expertise in the custom software solutions field. We make the most of the FileMaker platform. It is a really interesting company to work for with a high level professional team. Here are some key events occurring during an average day at work:

• Client meeting
• Project management
• Internal meeting and project monitoring
• Programmer support
• Dealing with emergencies such as: feature dysfunction, errors, immediate needs of new features, …

To illustrate better our program analyst everyday work, you can have a look at our project within our client Lamcom. We created a custom ERP to answer precise needs. We are currently improving this solution with updates and new features. Vincent Provost, Program Analyst