what is a software developer?
Would working as a software developer suit your skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a software developer role.
As a software developer, you are the creative mind behind computer programs and software applications. You build the programs from scratch or oversee the team in charge of creating the applications. Software programs help users perform specific tasks on various devices like computers and smartphones.
As a software developer, you can create applications or operating systems used in computers and electronic devices. You collaborate with computer engineers and programmers to develop complex and functional systems that meet customers' needs or help a company improve efficiency. Your job doesn't end in development; you have to test and install the software to ensure it works correctly.
view jobs near youaverage software developer salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a software developer earns just over $120,000 per year. As a software developer, there are several possible roles depending on the job you apply for, one of which is a software quality assurance analyst. The salary for this position is over $98,000. You can increase your salary by working extra hours. Some companies also offer bonuses for the successful completion of projects. Apart from the basic salary, you also receive allowances and medical insurance or contribution to your retirement account.
Wondering what you can earn as a software developer? Find out immediately with the salary comparison tool! You can quickly and easily see what the average salary of a software developer is.
factors affecting software developer salary
Your earnings as a software developer vary based on your experience and skills. Senior or lead developers typically earn more than junior developers. Besides, senior software developers manage teams and undertake complex projects. Experience enhances your skills and competencies, making you eligible for better pay. Educational qualifications can also influence your earnings. A software developer with a degree has a better compensation package than developers joining through apprenticeships.
Your salary also depends on the employer and project complexity. For instance, a large company handles complex projects and pays higher wages than small businesses. However, startups are great for entry-level developers who need to build their skills and experience.
types of software developer
A software developer can specialize in the following roles:
- web developer: Your job involves building websites and applications based on clients' needs. You work on the sites' visual elements, like the layouts and themes, to make them appealing for clients. You also control the databases and code the back-end.
- system developer: You are responsible for building operating system software for various programs. You also create systems for regulating and operating computer infrastructure. Embedded system software developers create programming codes on hardware devices like washing machines, fridges and televisions.
- app developers: Your job is to write code for video games or mobile applications. You build the user interface and perform various functions on mobile devices. Video game and mobile developers are app software developers.
working as a software developer
Software development is an exciting career that allows you to build applications and websites. Here is some insight to the daily life of a software developer and the duties involved.
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software developer job description
Specific tasks depend on the project or industry, but the common duties include:
- discussing software requirements with clients: As a software developer, you meet with clients to determine their software needs. Some clients know the features they want in their software, while others can only provide the general purpose of the software. Hence, you need to research the target users and identify features to incorporate into the software.
- planning and designing the software: When you have a picture of the client's needs, you develop a plan that guides the design. You can list the steps necessary for building the software and create a timeline from start to finish. During planning, you also identify the coding languages to use and start coding the software.
- upgrading current applications: When you are not building new software, your job is to test existing applications. You can adjust the functions and find creative ways to improve the performance of the software. Sometimes the upgrades involve optimizing the software to enhance speed and improve integration with the latest technologies.
- testing applications and performing quality checks: New software should undergo testing before introduction to the market. As a software developer, you need to complete functional and non-functional testing. In functional testing, you determine if the software functions properly. If a customer clicks a link, it should take them to the correct destination. Non-functional testing ensures the website or application meets the user's standards in terms of speed and functionality in different devices.
- recording the software development process: It is crucial to document the development process. It helps future maintenance teams identify portions of the code that need improvement and speeds up the identification of bugs and errors.
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software developer work environment
Software developers work in IT and tech, and they work in various industries, from large corporations to small startups in finance, technology, and manufacturing. A software developer works in an office setting and accomplishes most of the work on a computer. Some software developers work remotely from their home offices or library.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer, your colleagues could include software engineers, computer engineers, and information technology consultants. Software engineers help you develop the design, while IT consultants assist in analyzing client requirements. You might also be working in close proximity to data scientists, UX designers, .NET developers, CAD designers, quality assurance specialists, e-commerce managers, and other specialists like testers, project managers, and security developers.
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work schedule
As a software developer, your work schedule varies depending on the project. Minor projects are not time-consuming, and you can complete them by working the regular office hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for 40 hours a week. However, complex projects take a lot of time, and sometimes, you have to work over 50 hours a week, including weekends and evenings. Most software developers work full-time positions, but part-time positions are available. Short-term contracts and freelance opportunities are also available for software developers who enjoy flexible working hours. Your job involves traveling to meet clients and overseas travel if you work for a multinational company.
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job outlook for software developer
As a software developer, you have exciting opportunities for career development. When you start at a junior position, you could improve your skills and become a senior software developer in charge of your team. Some software developers migrate to related careers like system design, business system analysis, or IT architecture. Alternatively, specialize in one of the branches of software development like mobile, web, or video game development and become an expert in the field. Software development also provides opportunities for self-employment for those with adequate experience.
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benefits of working for randstad as a software developer
Working through Randstad offers you a range of benefits:
- being paid weekly
- flexibility
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
Want a permanent contract? But you wonder why it would be interesting for you to work with a staffing company? A temporary job as a software developer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers, thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad, too!
software developer skills and education
As a software developer, it's recommended that you earn a bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, or software development. These degree programs help you learn all of the topics you'll need to know when you land a software developer job.
Certifications are also a way to acknowledge your proficiency. For instance, you can earn the Professional Software Developer Certification from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, among other software developer programming certifications.
While you're still in college, you could complete an internship for a tech company. Having a master's degree in software development is sometimes required by employers. You'll need to have a comprehensive understanding of computer programming, which you should gain during college or a certification program. To advance your career, remain up-to-date on the latest computer languages and tools.
skills and competencies
The primary skills that a software developer requires include:
- database knowledge: When working as a software developer, you'll need to structure and organize information on databases. During these tasks, you input lines of data, search for specific information, and update the system. Knowing how to backup data is also essential.
- coding languages: Writing a software program means using various types of source code or coding languages. Having an in-depth understanding of one or more coding languages increases the job opportunities you gain access to. To select the right coding language to learn, look for one that aligns with your skills and interests. For instance, some languages are better served for mobile app development.
- testing procedures: All software programs require complex testing processes before the consumer can use them. It's important to know how to check a program's functionality on numerous hardware devices.
- software frameworks: A software framework is a type of application that developers use to make programs with information that's already established. For instance, you can implement lines of code you've written into a framework. You need to know how to use software frameworks to streamline development.
- cloud platforms: A cloud platform is the software and hardware necessary to maintain a company's remote database. To build this kind of platform, you should have knowledge of server management and coding languages. An increasing number of companies use cloud platforms to store their information. Enhancing your skill-set by focusing on cloud-based technology improves your chances of landing a software development job.
FAQs about working as a software developer
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about software developers.
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what is the role of a software developer?
Software developers are tech professionals who have the requisite skills for visualizing, designing, and creating different types of computer programs. They also perform troubleshooting.
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how much do software developers get paid?
Software developers earn an annual income of more than $120,000. However, the industry you work in determines what your take-home pay is. Your exact role in the industry also dictates what salary you earn.
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how do front-end and back-end developers differ?
As a front-end developer, you'll take care of the elements of a software program that users interact with. A front-end developer designs everything that a user views when they enter an application or website. If you become a back-end developer, you'll work on the different processes that help the software function. You'll need extensive knowledge of server architecture, program logic, databases, and technologies.
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what are the related jobs for a software developer?
Some careers you may want to consider that are related to software development include software engineering, software architect, and technical recruiter.
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what programming languages do I need to learn?
If you take a bachelor's degree in computer science or software development, you'll likely learn at least one major programming language during your studies. Four of the top programming languages that will help you gain success as a software developer include Python, JavaScript, C++, and Scala.
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how do I find a job as a software developer?
Applying for a software developer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our software developer jobs for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV. If you do not have a resume, no worries. Just check out our resume builder. This state-of-the-art tool will help you to create your own resume. Need help with your application? Check out all our job-hunting tips!
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