You’ve always had a knack for figuring out how to fix technological issues. Not only that, but people you know and love often come to you for assistance when they are having computer issues. You’re always the first in line for the newest tech, too. You’re fascinated by the cutting edge of technological development and all it can bring about.
You seem like the type of person who might excel as a programmer. Even though you’re interested in the position, you may be thinking, “What exactly does a software developer do?”
For this and other questions regarding entering the field of software development, we have gathered the information and insight you will need. Read on for a taste of what it’s like to work in this vital field of technology.
What is a software developer, exactly?
That app on your phone that you use all the time, right? You know how, when you were a kid, you’d spend hours and hours playing that one computer game? Budgeting and expense monitoring software, right? Coders made them all.
Developers of software are the innovators and problem solvers behind every type of computer programme. Although some programmers specialise in a single app or piece of software, others build infrastructure networks or systems that serve as the catalysts or engines for a wide variety of applications. For this reason, the development industry is split between application developers and system developers.
What do applications software developers do?
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) states that developers in this field are accountable for creating software for computers and mobile devices. 1 Their jobs require them to concentrate on making things for the public. This requires figuring out what users want, creating software that meets those needs, checking in on how things are going, and making any necessary adjustments.
What do systems software developers do?
Operating system software, compilers, and network distribution software are the primary areas of expertise for these experts, as per DOL guidelines1. The primary focus of this position is on the design of products for large businesses. This encompasses creating software for use in healthcare, manufacturing, defence, communications, aerospace, enterprise, science, and general computing.
What are some common software developer job duties?
Software developers are responsible for managing the process by which code is written to create software applications. Depending on the company they work for, software developers conduct user research to determine what kinds of tools and services their clients need, and then design, code, and test programmes to meet those needs.
Developers will construct diagrams and models to guide code writers through the coding process after they have mapped out the design, created flowcharts, and drafted out each step of the process.
Other responsibilities include creating a blueprint of the software for use in future updates and enhancements, running tests on the program, and working with other computer experts to ensure the programme is up to par.
What are some important software developer skills?
There needs to be a balance between technical and interpersonal abilities in software developers. Software developers not only have the responsibility of outlining and developing the code and design for a program, but also often work closely with a wide range of stakeholders.
Top technical skills for software developers
To succeed in such a demanding position, in-depth technical expertise is a must. For this study, we analysed over a million open positions for software developers that were posted over the past year using a tool that performs real-time job analysis. 2 According to the results, the following are the most in-demand technical skills among employers:
- Java®
- SQL
- Software engineering
- JavaScript®
- Python®
- Microsoft® C#
- Linux
- Git
- Oracle
- DevOps
Top transferable skills for software developers
Only half the battle is won by mastering the aforementioned abilities. In addition to their technical expertise, the finest software developers also possess a set of transferable talents.
1. Problem-solving ability
Writing user-friendly code that actually helps people is the whole objective of software development. You may be well-suited to a job in software development if you are the sort who can quickly spot problems and formulate a plan on how to solve them. Moreover, a large portion of a programmer’s job entails the ability to carefully and systematically address possible errors or issues in code.
2. Teamwork
The majority of software developers don’t spend their days in a cube farm with no human interaction. The truth is that they invest a great deal of time working along with other developers and programmers to deliver a top-notch solution to the customer. Possessing strong interpersonal and communicative skills as well as an empathetic nature and an ability to work well with others is essential.
3. Analytical and strategic
If you’re the type of person who enjoys looking at the big picture as well as the smaller steps along the way to solve a mystery, then developing software will be a natural fit for you because coding and software are enigmas of a sort. It takes a lot of forethought and preparation to make these kinds of shows. The field of software development is open and waiting for you if you have the ability to determine the quickest or most efficient way to get from A to B.
4. Intrinsic motivation
Even though making software can be difficult and time-consuming, you shouldn’t give up if at first you don’t succeed. A job in software development is a good fit for people who have a strong internal drive to see projects through to completion.
Where do software developers work?
There is a wide range of career paths available to software developers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2018, there were little over 944,200 positions for application software engineers (BLS). 3 During that same year, there were over 1.3 million openings for software developers, including approximately 421,300 roles for systems software engineers. 3
Where then, are these possibilities to be found? Software developers are in high demand across several sectors.
Top fields for application software developers
- Computer systems design and related services
- Finance and insurance
- Software publishers
- Manufacturing
- Management of companies and enterprises
Top fields for system software developers
- Computer systems design and related services
- Manufacturing
- Finance and insurance
- Software publishers
- Engineering services
As you can see, software developers are in high demand across many different sectors. One can choose from a variety of settings and tasks when working as a software developer. Many people do their jobs in offices, but freelance work, or even working from home, is also an option. Given all these options, you can shape your career in ways that best suit your interests and skills.