Computer Programming

This is the ability to write and
debug computer software. A success-
ful roll lets you find a bug in a pro-
gram, determine a program’s purpose
by examining the code, answer a ques-
tion about computer programming, or
write a new program (time required is
up to the GM).
In settings where artificial intelli-
gence (AI) exists, those who wish to
work with AI must learn Computer
Programming (AI). There is no default
between this skill and regular
Computer Programming. When using
Detect Lies, Fast-Talk, Psychology,
Teaching, and similar “social” skills on
an AI, roll against the lower of
Computer Programming (AI) and the
relevant skill.
Modifiers: -2 or more for an unfa-
miliar programming language (see
Familiarity, p. 169). The time modi-
fiers under Time Spent (p. 346) will
often apply. When writing a program
that deals with a specialized field of
knowledge, the GM may require a roll
against the lower
of Computer
Programming and your skill in that
field (e.g., a Mathematics specialty for
a complex mathematical program, or
the lower of Teaching skill and a “sub-
ject” skill for an expert system that will
assist users with a particular subject).