At Sun, 28 Nov 2021 05:04:44 GMT, Mayuresh Kathe <mayuresh%sdf.org@localhost> wrote:
Subject: what is systems programming?
>
> i have heard a lot of references to systems
> programming throughout my time as a
> programmer in the past 30 years, but even
> on inquiring haven't received a clear and
> simple answer to what makes a systems
> programmer.
I don't agree with the whole of the Wikipedia article about "Systems
Programming", but I think this part is an excellent summary:
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
services to other software.
The Encyclopedia Britannica description is also reasonably good (though
I would definitely leave out the phrase "especially as used in computer
networks" -- that is not a requirement):
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.
--
Greg A. Woods <gwoods%acm.org@localhost>
Kelowna, BC +1 250 762-7675 RoboHack <woods%robohack.ca@localhost>
Planix, Inc. <woods%planix.com@localhost> Avoncote Farms <woods%avoncote.ca@localhost>
Attachment:
pgp01YWgBX_bH.pgp
Description: OpenPGP Digital Signature