What Does A Software Developer Do?

By Yogesh

A Software Developer designs, creates, and maintains computer programs. Computer programs include applications that perform specific tasks or system software that runs devices or controls a network. The two main types of software developers are application software developers and system software developers.

System software developers create programs that run the devices and are used in network distribution along with database and web development.

Application software developers create computer programs that perform a specific task according to user needs and can be used on mobile devices and computers.

In this article, we will discuss who a software developer really is, how you can become one, career opportunities, and more.

Who is a Software Developer?

A software developer is a professional who designs, creates, implements, tests, and maintains computer programs that perform specific tasks as per user needs and systems that run devices. They create applications and systems that drive our interconnected world. Today, software applications dominate every facet of day-to-day life, from communication, trade, transport, work, and everything that uses technology.

The general trend toward digitalization has changed the overall scenario of software development over time. From the early days of large mainframe computers to today’s enterprise-scale cloud-based systems and everything in between, developers have evolved gradually. They have been at the core of designing innovative and efficient solutions for nearly every industry.

Software Developers typically work alongside Software Engineers, QA Engineers, and other IT professionals in collaborative environments. This teamwork is important for achieving quality and relevance from design to deployment of the software as a whole.

Common software developer responsibilities are:

1. Develop software by analyzing user needs
2. Upgrade existing programs
3. Test and maintain existing software for uptime and continuous functionality
4. Document upgrade and maintenance process

If you want to pursue your career in this field, then below are essential software developer requirements:

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or related fields.
2. Proficiency in Java, Python, C++, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, or other programming languages.
3. Relevant certifications include AWS Certified Developer, Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate, CISCO DEvNet Associate, IEEE Professional Software Developer, and CompTIA IT Fundamentals.
4. 1-3 years of experience gained through internship or final-year college projects.

What is the Difference Between Software Developer and Software Engineer?

A software developer writes, debugs, and implements code to produce different software applications whereas a software engineer uses engineering principles to develop software and design the whole lifecycle while designing it.

Software Developers translate designs and specifications into functional programs, usually specializing in specific programming languages or types of software.

Software engineers are responsible for system design, integration, and testing to the standard of functionality.

Types of Software Developer

The two main types of software developers are Application Software Developers and System Software Developers.

System Software Developer

System software developers develop and maintain the software inside computers or other devices running systems. They are responsible for hardware-software integration, which runs on multiple types of systems, including operating systems, device drivers, and utilities that allow a computer or other programs to run. System software developers work to develop software such as Windows, macOS, Linux, and embedded system firmware. These developers typically work for big tech companies, hardware manufacturers, or organizations needing custom system software.

Application Software Developer

Application software developers design and create user-oriented applications. These applications are designed to carry out several operations for end users, such as word processing, data entry, or retrieval. App developers concentrate on usability and functionality, ensuring that they fulfill their users’ purposes. Examples of software applications developed by application developers include Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, and mobile applications like FaceBook and WhatsApp. Typically, these developers work at software companies, start-ups, or in an IT department for any number of organizations.

What Career Opportunities Do You Get as a Software Developer?

Software developer career opportunities are rapidly increasing with technological advancement. Indeed listed over 26k job vacancies for software engineers in June, ranging from entry-level work up to senior and lead roles. Salaries for roles in the field can vary widely, with entry-level positions starting around $60k annually, mid-level positions ranging from about $80k to $125k, and senior level/executive compensation at or above roughly $130k to over $200k per year. Software developer jobs are projected to grow by 25% from 2020 to 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Here are some of the job roles available under Software Developer, along with their responsibilities:

1. Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Develop and implement technology strategy, ensuring the company receives expected results from its product development initiatives. Manage technical teams, cybersecurity measures, and cross-functional collaboration. They also manage budgetary decisions and the availability of resources for these projects.

2. Software Architect

Design the software architecture and system components and establish technical standards in specification and documentation. They lead the teams and make sure they are scalable and secure while looking to evaluate technologies.

3. DevOps Engineer

Deploy pipelines, CI/CD pipelines, and infrastructure performance monitoring. Responsible for automating tasks, triaging issues, and working closely with Dev and Ops teams.

4. Cloud Engineer

Design, set up, and maintain cloud infrastructure as required, ensure scalability by verifying that all the systems are easily adjustable with performance measures to control costs and handle security policies for each system. They monitor and manage the performance of your applications, troubleshoot issues if they arise during any stage of their lifecycle, or help you migrate to the cloud.

5. Security Engineer

Develop and execute security controls, write up risk assessments for new systems or applications, and manage firewalls. They are responsible for incident response, compliance, training, etc.

6. Systems Analyst

Analyze IT systems and business processes, gather requirements, and design new system solutions. They test systems to maintain and provide cloud support and optimization for optimal performance.

7. Database Administrator

Install, configure, and maintain databases to ensure data integrity and security. They also track performance, administer backup and recovery operations, and optimize SQL statements.

8. Network Administrator

Responsible for the security and smooth running of computer systems within a single location or multiple locations. They install and support network hardware as well as system management tools. It includes performance monitoring, problem-solving, and documentation of network configurations.

9. Software Test Engineer

Develop test plans, run tests, and report software defects. They work closely with developers to fix bugs, automate tests, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

10. Quality Assurance Engineer

Define QA processes and test plans and identify defects in the software. They enforce standards, test via manual and automated processes, and provide feedback on product quality improvement.

11. Computer Programmer

Write, test, and debug code for software applications. Producing new training material or algorithms in conjunction with developers, maintaining technical documentation and standards.

12. Web Developer

Build and maintain websites and ensure web design is optimized for mobile. Monitor site technical performance. They write codes with HTML, CSS, and JS and then debug it all before hardening everything just a bit.

13. Front-end Developer

Develop and maintain user interfaces through the execution of designs for mobile websites. This includes managing the software workflow, maintaining cross-browser compatibility, following SEO best practice conventions where necessary, plus modifying/patching any bugs found during production.

14. Back-end Developer

Implement server-side logic and database management systems and develop APIs. This includes server performance study, security implementations, and old bug squashing; cooperative challenge solving along with front-end developers and using version controls like Git.

15. Full-stack Developer

Take care of front-end and back-end development, connecting components across the stack. They help optimize performance, debug problems, secure the application, and stay updated with development trends.

16. Mobile Developer

Create applications for iOS and Android, optimize performance, and develop cross-platform apps. They debug issues, integrate with back-end services, conduct testing, and stay updated on mobile development trends.

17. Hardware Engineer

Design and develop hardware components, create prototypes and perform performance tests. These engineers fix bugs, keep documentation up to date, and adhere to industry best practices.

Is Software Development a Good Career?

Yes, software development is an excellent career choice that offers growth and competitive salaries. Various job platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, etc. report high demand for this role from entry to senior level. In 2022, the average annual salary of software developers was $127,260, which equated to around $11k per month. With rapid technological advancement and the growing demand for skilled software developers, the median salary saw a rise in 2023 and reached $130,160 per year.

How Much Does A Software Developer Make?

A software developer makes $96.5k to $157k per year. So, how much does a software developer make per hour? Software developers make between $46 and $74 per hour.

#Note: While calculating the average software developer salary, we compiled the average salary from Salary.com, Builtin.com, Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter, and Indeed and divided it by 5 to get the overall average for minimum and maximum salary of software developer per year and per hour respectively. The calculation:

(114590+148774+104000+48000+66181)/5=96,309; Rounded off to $96.5k
(136666+148774+165000+166000+167642)/5=156,816.4; Rounded off to 157k.

(55+71.52+50+23.08+28.42)/5=45.604; Rounded off to 46
(66+71.52+79.33+79.81+71.98)/5=73.728; Rounded off to 74.

According to Salary.com, the average salary of software developers is $114,590 to $136,666 per year, which falls between the hourly rate of $55 and $66.

According to Builtin.com, the average salary of software developers is $148,774 per year, with an hourly rate of $71.52.

According to Glassdoor, the average salary of software developers ranges from $104K to $165K per year. This means their hourly charge ranges between $50 and $79.33.

According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary of software developers is $48,000 to $166,000 per year, equating to an hourly rate of $23.08 to $79.81.

According to Indeed, the average salary of software developers is $66,181 and $167,642 per year, with an hourly rate of $28.42 and $71.98.

However, this may not paint the most accurate picture of their earnings as several factors, such as location, experience, education level, technical skills, and industry demand, directly influence their salary.

How Much Does an Entry Level Software Developer Make?

An entry-level software developer makes $60K to $80K per year.

How Much Does a Mid-level Software Developer Make?

A junior software developer makes $80k to $125k per year.

What is the Salary of a Senior Software Developer?

The average salary of a senior software developer is $130k to over $200k per annum.

What is the Salary of a Lead Software Developer?

The average salary of a lead software developer is $170k to $260k per annum.

How To Become A Software Developer?

To become a software developer, you need a formal education, practical skills, knowledge of a programming language, and relevant certifications.

A bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field is a must. In addition, this position can be achieved through coding boot camps and other online courses.

Along with formal education, one must have software development skills and technical skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and basic knowledge of development tools and frameworks. It is also necessary to be efficient in various programming languages and software development methodologies.

Most developers pursue certifications in particular technologies to level up their resumes and enhance their job prospects. The field is constantly changing, so keeping up to date with online learning through courses and conferences every few months, including regular coding challenges, can be helpful.

So, how long does it take to become a software developer? It can be between several months and several years, depending on the path you take. Self-study with courses and boot camp will take months, but pursuing a bachelor’s degree at the university will take at least four years.

What Degree Do You Need to be a Software Developer?

You need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field to become a software developer. You can also get certifications from different online courses and become a capable software developer.

Can You be a Software Developer Without a Degree?

Yes, you can become a software developer without a degree. You can complete online bootcamps and courses and get the needed knowledge and certifications.

Some of the courses you can join include:

1. IBM Full Stack Software Developer Professional Certificate:

The IBM Full Stack Software Developer Professional Certificate is for developers who want to learn about all types of development, such as front-end and back-end. People who wish to gain practical exposure in JavaScript, Node.js, React, and DevOps tools would best benefit from this certificate for various software development roles.

2. IBM DevOps and Software Engineering Professional Certificate:

The IBM DevOps and Software Engineering Professional Certificate is ideal for those who want to learn the concepts of both DevOps as well as software engineering. It is suited for those seeking extensive knowledge in continuous integration, continuous delivery, and containerization for software development efficiency and reliability.

3. IBM Back-End Development Professional Certificate:

The IBM Back-End Development Professional Certificate is designed to educate developers in server-side programming and database management. For people seeking back-end specialization, Java, SQL, and cloud computing are among the skills covered by this certificate to help the person build strong server-side application architectures.

4. Applied Software Engineering Fundamentals Specialization:

Applied Software Engineering Fundamentals is a beginner’s fundamental course to the principles of software engineering. The certificate comprises algorithms, data structures, and object-oriented programming for people to build strong software that will handle speculation and development.

5. Google IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate:

Google IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate best suits people interested in using Python to automate IT tasks and processes. It is suitable for IT professionals and developers to grasp scripting, version control, and troubleshooting skills to promote the IT professional’s productivity and problem-solving.

6. Software Development Lifecycle Specialization:

Software Development Lifecycle Specialization will give you an overview of the whole process, from planning to deployment. Therefore, it is best suited for project managers and developers focusing on project management, software design, quality assurance to ensure successful software delivery.

7. IBM Front-End Developer Professional Certificate:

IBM Front-End Developer Professional Certificate is an IBM certificate designed for people looking to specialize in building visual interfaces and experiences. It is a course on HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and more recent frameworks such as React to help the person create visually appealing responsive web applications.

8. IBM Full-Stack JavaScript Developer Professional Certificate:

The IBM Full-Stack JavaScript Developer Professional Certificate is for learners seeking expertise in full-stack application development using JavaScript. It is a suitable course for full-stack developers which covers the front and back end parts of web development.

Skills Software Developer Should Acquire

Here are some of the crucial skills that software developers must have:

1. Programming languages: Experience with Python, Java, C++, JavaScript, or Ruby, with the ability to learn new ones promptly. One needs to know the strengths of various languages and their use cases.

2. Data structures and algorithms: Knowledge of the best ways to arrange data for optimal problem-solving is crucial. With proper knowledge of arrays, stacks, linked lists, and queues, graphs, and trees, you should be able to choose the best data structure for the specific problem.

3. Databases: Experience with SQL and NoSQL databases to store and query data. Additional knowledge of database design principles and optimization techniques is also necessary.

4. Web development: Need knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. You need to be familiar with modern frameworks and libraries such as Angular, React, and Vue.js.

5. API development: Design and implementation of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) like RESTful principles and GraphQl. It is also essential to know about architecture of microservices.

6. Experience with Testing and debugging: Advanced understanding of writing unit tests, integration tests, and end-to-end tests. You should be able to use debugging tools to quickly identify code issues and resolve them promptly.

7. Cloud computing: Familiarity with AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, including deployment, management, and scalability of applications. Getting expertise on this skill ensure cost reduction in infrastructure and allows rapid innovation and flexibility in development and deployment of software solutions.

8. Cybersecurity Fundamentals: Knowledge of secure coding practices and common vulnerabilities is vital. One should also be aware of encryption and authentication protocols.

9. Agile methodologies: Knowledge of the Agile development process and familiarity with Scrum or Kanban. You should develop the ability to work in cross-functional teams and quickly adjust and adapt to the changing requirements.

10. Version control: Familiarity with systems like Git for code management and collaboration. It is also important to know about branching strategies and CI/CD pipeline integration.
11. Problem-solving: Developing and deploying varying analytical approaches to solve complex programming issues. As a developer, you should be capable of breaking down complex problems into manageable components to solve them effectively and efficiently within the allocated time frame.

12. Communication: Can clearly explain engineering decisions to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Along with that, it becomes essential for a developer to document codes in plain and understandable language and present them skillfully.

13. Openness to learning: Adaptability and willingness to stay updated with new technologies and trends. Some methods that you can utilize for continuous self-improvement include participating in open-source projects and joining online and physical seminars.

Certifications To Earn by Software Developer

These are the necessary certifications that a software developer must earn to level up their resume and find better job opportunities:

1. AWS Certified Developer: Provides the ability to develop and maintain applications on Amazon Web Services. It demonstrates your expertise in AWS core services, their uses and best practices for developing secure and efficient cloud applications.

2. Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate: Highlights capabilities in cloud services and development with the Microsoft Azure platform, including the capability of designing, building, testing, and maintaining cloud solutions.

3. Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE Programmer: Validates expert-level knowledge in Java programming. It includes core language features, object-oriented concepts, and API usage.

4. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Covers cybersecurity principles and practical approaches to cyber security. This certificate signifies that you have a comprehensive knowledge of information security risks and relevant mitigation strategies.

5. Google Associate Android Developer: Demonstrates the ability to make native apps for the Android platform. It also ensures your proficiency in Android SDK, UI design, and app publishing process.

6. CompTIA Security+: Establish the core knowledge required to perform any IT security role. It encompasses network security, compliance, and operation security, threats, and vulnerabilities.

7. MongoDB Certified Developer Associate: Validates technical skills in building applications using MongoDB. You will be equipped with skills like data modeling, CRUD operations, and aggregation framework usage.

8. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Focuses on recognizing weaknesses in computer systems. It also certifies that you have first-hand experience in ethical hacking methodologies and tools that cybercriminals use.

9. Certified Scrum Developer (CSD): Validates knowledge of Agile and Scrum practices related to software development. Having the CSD certification confirms your ability to apply the Scrum framework in software development.

10. Red Hat Certified Developer: Validates the ability to develop applications for Red Hat Enterprise Linux platforms. It equips you with the knowledge of JAX-RS, JAAS, CDI, JMS, JPA, and EJBs for various purposes.

Conclusion

Software developers handle the overall creation of system and application software. They specialize in various sectors, such as front-end, back-end, full-stack, and mobile development. The growing advancement in technology puts the roles of software architects, CTOs, computer programmers, and other positions in great demand. The field of software development puts forth a formidable career path with actual growth from entry to senior level and competitive salaries, ensuring an annual average of $124,293. Aspiring developers should foster their technical skills while acquiring relevant certifications and committing to continuous learning to move with the evolving technologies.

FAQs

What are the best training Programs for Software Developers in 2024?

The best training programs for software developers in 2024 are Red Hat Certified Developer, AWS Certified Developer, Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE Programmer, and Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate.

How Does A Software Developer Differ From A Computer Programmer?

A software developer handles the entirety of software creation, from design and system architecture to user experience. Meanwhile, a computer programmer focuses on writing and debugging code for the translation of a developer’s design into functional code.

What are the High Paying Software Developer Jobs?

Some of the high-paying software developer jobs include Chief technology officer, Data scientist, Enterprise architect, Site reliability engineer, and Software engineering manager.