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FREELANCE
PROGRAMMING
There are almost
uncountable number of day-to-day operational problems that require an
expedient
and a convenient programming solution.
Every year,
close to 50,000 new scripts and programs are introduced on the market
to offer
solutions to some of these problems.
Given the fact
that these problems continuously arise and become more complex with the
demands
of modern technology, the call for work at home freelance programmers
is ever
present.
Therefore, work
at home freelance programmers can be assured that there will always be
work available.
You can even use
this opportunity to build your experience for an impressive resume,
which can
springboard to greater opportunities. Many programmers on the Internet
have
been hired by companies like Microsoft and Google because of their work
quality. Another
thing to consider is the changing
work environment; many jobs are being shipped out of the country.
Therefore,
you have to compete with programmers from around the world. It is always good to have
a backup plan. Part
time freelance programming could provide
you with an extra income stream, valuable contacts and experience.
Since we’re
living in a digital age, a lot of people look for digital solutions.
And digital
solutions can only be created through programming.
Now, of all the work
at home freelance opportunities out there, programming is the one that
requires
formal education. Though people can learn several programming languages
on
their own, only a formal education on the matter will give them the
expertise
that they need to properly apply their knowledge to practical usage.
Additionally, most people who are looking for programming help will
demand a
certificate to ascertain that you are indeed proficient with the
programming
language that they need.
Programming is
not only about the manipulation of numerical equations in digital
applications
to come up with myriad solutions for a many problems. You need to
exercise some
creativity to determine the best approach to a problem. You want
something that
will appeal to your audience.
Also, you need
to have an eye for what is functional. It’s not enough that
you provide a
solution. You must provide a solution that is convenient, a solution
that is
practical, and a solution that is the easiest one available out of all
the
possible options.
If you have
great – yes, great – programming skills, you can
also get some jobs, at least
at first, from these freelancing websites:
Elance.com
RentaACoder.com
Additionally,
there are many forums, social networking sites and business networking
sites
that you can join, and then advertise to other members and guests. One that comes to mind at
the moment is http://www.phplinkdirectory.com/forum/.
Most of the
clients you will find will give you the problem, as well as their
expectations
about the solution. Often, it will be up to you to formulate such a
solution
based on the criteria we have mentioned above.
You can expect
to receive a variety of orders calling for a variety of solutions.
Shopping
carts, membership website scripts, website creation generation, website
additions, and the like are popular requests for programmers these
days.
Your work will
mainly comprise:
1. Programs
– these are
full fledged software applications that stand
on their own.
2. Scripts
– these are
solutions that require a principal product for
their proper functioning.
PROGRAMMING STAGES:
Your client presents the problem.
You present suggested solutions.
If client agrees to suggested solutions, you
start the project.
You do comprehensive beta test to make ensure
program works well for
client.
If client does not agree with suggested
solutions, you make
adjustments and prepare new solutions.
You present adjusted solutions and repeat the
process.
DON’T’S
Since your name
is your reputation and your reputation is your business. Avoid the
following:
Do not submit a
defective
program. Test
every usage of the solution you will
be providing before delivering it to your client.
Do not deviate from
the
specifications
provided by your client, lest you
risk delivering an entirely different product altogether. If necessary
deviations are to be made, consult with your client first.
Do not resell
source code
which you have already delivered to a paying client. Remember, your
client will own the exclusive rights to the source code upon the
completion of
the transaction.
Do not sacrifice
aesthetics for
functionality.
Do not assume that the users will know how to operate the
program. Make it easy
for them. The rule of the thumb when it comes to menu design is: do not
make
them think.
BETA TESTING
Critical in the process is the beta testing
stage. This is the stage
where the solution will be tried and tested for bugs and unexpected
errors. So
unlike other freelancing projects, the terms of an agreement for a
programming
project are not deemed as having been completed upon delivery of the
solution.
There should be a grace period during which the programmer will assist the client and
ensure the program
works as promised.
Ownership of the
program will reside with the client the same as any writing project. With
programming, the client shall have
exclusive rights over the program source code. Once the deal is
completed and
the respective terms are met, you can no longer use the source code for
other
projects. If you will be accepting similar assignments in the future,
you will
have to build the project from the ground up.
FINDING WORK
As we have mentioned
in the foregoing, you can find work by bidding on open projects that
can be
found on the suggested websites.
Additionally,
you can also try out some popular forums where web publishers and
Internet
marketers converge. Some of these forums even have categories for
programmers
to advertise their services.
forums.digitalpoint.com
www.webmasterworld.com
www.turbocommunity.com
Eventually, once
you have established a reputation in this industry, clients will seek
you out.
Your problem will then transform into learning how to say no to some of
the
requests that will come your way.
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