Software Development is the process of writing and testing code. Software development involves a wide variety of activities, such as analysis, design, programming, and testing.
Software developers are primarily concerned with taking a project from conception to completion.
A software developer’s job can range from developing the most basic components of a program to the most complicated pieces of software.
The tasks involved in these jobs vary drastically depending on the type and size of company and project.
For example, large companies may employ teams whose sole responsibility is to design new features for an existing software program.
A small company might have one person who designs, codes, tests and implements the final product.
This job requires analytical problem-solving skills, well rounded knowledge of computer science principals, solid mathematical skills and an understanding of business practices.
Analytical problem solving is a key skill for many IT Jobs because it often involves breaking a complex problem into a series of smaller easier to solve problems.
Solid knowledge of computer science is required for this job because the majority of the work done by software developers is writing code.
Many companies prefer employees who have studied computer science at college, whether an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. An understanding of mathematics also helps in developing software, as many programs rely on mathematical algorithms.
It was a general overview – now let’s deep dive into what is Software Developer and all the details about this job.
What is a Software Developer
A software developer is someone who is involved in the process of computer programming.
They are responsible for initially coming up with the idea for a new software product and creating the design specifications for it to be built. The design spec will include the features, interface, and any other aspects necessary for the project.
The software developer will then work with a team of developers who will take over development of their design specs.
They will work together to build the actual product. After completion, they will provide support for it if there are any bugs or errors before moving on to another project.
Software developers typically have an expertise in one specific area such as web development, game development, or mobile app development.
A software developer analyzes the business needs of a company or organization and then designs, tests, debugs, writes, installs, and maintains computer programs.
The job may involve writing code in different programming languages for operating systems such as Macintosh, Windows, Linux, and Unix, as well as for networking hardware.
Software developers also may design web systems that allow internet users to access programs or information.
Software developers need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field.
Some college graduates start at entry-level positions with training in software development and programming languages, but many have earned a master’s degree in computer science or information technology. Certification may be beneficial for some positions.
Software developers work at a variety of locations such as at software and web-based businesses, financial institutions, insurance companies, consulting firms, telecommunications providers, publishers, colleges and universities, research facilities, computer systems design and consulting firms, and in the federal government.
Software developers may work indoors or outdoors at construction sites, building computer systems for companies; others may do their jobs without direct supervision while working from home.
What does a Software Developer do?
A software developer is a person who analyzes business needs and then designs appropriate solutions.
They may or may not have an advanced degree. It is their job to create software programs to meet the company’s requirements.
A software developer may also be involved in determining what hardware is needed to run the program, and how it will work.
They must have a thorough knowledge of different computer languages . Most programming jobs require both on-the-job training and a bachelor’s degree in computer science.
Some organizations may hire people with only a two year degree for entry-level software developer jobs. However, the majority of programmers have a degree in computer science or a related field.
They can also keep up to date by attending seminars and reading trade publications within their industry.
In addition, every programmer should be familiar with the hardware used to run their programs, since it is part of their job to make sure that the program runs smoothly on that hardware.
Software developers also create the user manual for each product they develop, and may be called upon to explain the system’s features to prospects or clients.
They must have excellent communication skills, both written and oral, because these professionals write the computer programming language used in manuals and training books for users.
Many companies prefer to hire programmers who can work well with non-technical employees.
How to become a Software Developer?
What software developers need to learn to become software developers is to know how to code. They also need to know which programming languages are the most popular, Java, C++, C#, Python, etc. Computer science degrees are not always necessary for becoming a software developer.
In addition, you need to know how to use one of the main development tools such as Visual Studio Code or Eclipse.
People who have taken some computer science classes tend to do better than those who have not. It is also necessary for software developers to know what they are doing because if the codes are bad, then it could cause problems on an entire project. If you are having a hard time becoming a software developer, there are few steps that you should take:
- Learn the basics of computer programming and what you can do with them.
- Be able to show how you have been able to apply what you have learned from step one in a real world work scenario.
- Do online courses on software development from websites such as Udemy, Coursera, Pluralsight etc.
- Have great references that are ready to give out when the need arises for someone who knows their role well.
How does a Software Developer differ from a Computer Programmer
Programmers and Developers generally work specifically with one kind of computer system. Computer Programmers develop software for a specific platform or operating system, such as the Microsoft Windows Operating System or the Android Operating System.
A Software Developer may work in a different area, focusing instead on a particular type of application, such as word processing software. However, many Developers and Programmers work with multiple computer systems.
For example, they might focus on hardware for a company that also writes software or designs web pages, or they might work as part of a team focused on specific elements of an operating system.
How long does it take to become a Software Developer?
As with most IT careers, it will take at least two years to become a software developer. It is important to make sure that you are committed to the profession before you embark on this career path. Student loans can be a barrier so it’s best to plan ahead.
Software developers are expected to see job growth in the coming years.
How to become a Software Developer from scratch?
There are plenty of different paths you can take to become a software developer.
Some college courses you can take to prepare for this career include computer programming or computer engineering (if you prefer more focus on hardware). You may also want to do coding bootcamps to get ahead in this career field.
Keep on updating your skills by undergoing online courses and networking with fellow learners.
How to become a Software Developer without a Degree?
You can become a software developer without a degree by taking one of many online courses.
There are many companies that offer these classes, and they’re usually inexpensive.
The amount of time it takes to complete the classes will depend on how much time you have to spend on them every day, but it’s usually only two or three months.
It’s also possible to find classes that offer a certification at the end.
You can also learn from books and tutorials available for purchase online, which will take up even more of your time.
However, this option is considerably more expensive than taking one of the classes. In addition, there might not be as much support available if you have questions or need help with completing assignments.
If you plan to apply for a job as a software developer, it’s important that you know computer languages such as C++ and Java.
Additional languages might also be required based on the industry and company where you’re applying. Although it’s possible to learn these quickly online or through books, classes are usually the best choice if you have limited time.
Companies that hire software developers include Microsoft, Facebook and Google. All of these companies have a large number of job openings, but they all require at least a bachelor’s degree from the applicant.
It might be possible to find less competitive employers by targeting small or mid-sized businesses in your area. They will usually also require some previous work experience, which you can obtain by volunteering or working as a freelancer.
There are also software development jobs available in other industries, including financial services and healthcare. These positions usually require additional certifications to be considered for the job.
How to get a Software Developer job?
Here’s a few tips on how to get a developer job:
- Have someone within your network refer you to a hiring manager. This is most likely how most people get their jobs.
- Network with the company and come up with ways that you can help them.
- Look for jobs that don’t require experience and offer to trade knowledge or work for it.
- Apply for jobs with companies that have high turnover rates and high demand for workers.
- Create an online portfolio of your work and skills, and be sure to include any past employers as references.
- Refresh your skills, this way you will have relevant experience and fantastic information to share during an interview.
- Don’t underestimate the power of social media. Make sure that all forms of networking are being used to help build your brand.
Also, when looking for a software developer job, it’s important to have your resume in tip-top shape.
Make sure all of your experience is optimized and make sure you know how to talk about the work you did during each position using tech-related terms.
You should also consider networking with other workers in the tech industry to talk about your experience, and you might also consider going through a staffing agency.
What degree do you need to be a Software Developer?
To be a software developer, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or computer engineering.
You should have knowledge of programming languages, algorithms, data structures, and other key concepts. It would also be helpful if you can speak at least one other language besides English.
Having a solid real-life experience matters more to become a software developer.
What does a Software Developer do on a daily basis?
The job of a software developer usually starts with understanding the scope and design of the software that is to be created.
Software developers then use programming languages like Java or C++ to write programs.
A typical day for a software developer might include:
- Meeting with clients and colleagues.
- Reading documentation and researching solutions.
- Writing code using programming languages.
- Testing and debugging programs.
- Trying different approaches to solving problems.
- Reporting progress to clients and managers.
How many hours does a Software Developer work?
Software developers work an average of 40 hours per week, which is equivalent to 8 hours per day.
However it depends on the project requirements, if there is a rush project then they need to input more hours to the project.
What is the difference between Software Engineer and Software Developer?
A software developer is a person who writes, tests, and implements code in the form of computer programs.
A software engineer, on the other hand, is someone who can design or refine parts of a program, but may not be involved with testing or coding.
How to become a Software Developer at Home?
There are many ways in which one can become a software developer at home.
The most effective way, in my opinion, is to learn how to code. There are plenty of courses out there that teach you either the basics or dive deeper into the topic by teaching you advanced level programming languages like Python, Java, or Ruby.
You can also find introductory courses for free online and this will give you an idea of what it’s like to code before you invest time and money in learning more about it.
It is also possible to pick up some freelance programming jobs just by looking around at web development forums.
You can also read some books on software development to enhance your knowledge.
How to become a Freelance Software Developer or Remote Software Developer?
The best way to become a freelance software developer is to learn the basics of coding. First you will need to find an introductory course on coding that can help get your foot in the door.
You have to commit yourself to learning enough coding basics to allow for some flexibility. Learning more than one programming language can also be beneficial.
Next, you will need to create a portfolio website with samples from the coding projects that you have been working on.
You can highlight any volunteer work or open source contributions as well as any paid work that you have done in the past. A programming blog is a good idea because it can help with search engine optimization and also demonstrate your interest in coding.
Once you have a portfolio website and blog, you will need to stay active on your website by adding new content regularly.
You can also join forums related to coding that will allow you to broaden the number of people who visit your website. With these key components in place, it is time to start looking for online coding jobs.
There are certain key words that you should be using to search for remote coding jobs. For example, if you are familiar with Java then it would be beneficial to use the phrase “remote java developer” as your search term.
You will also want to include any skills or languages that you have used in the past because employers can customize their job postings to hire candidates with specific skill sets.
Some of the companies that you apply to for remote coding jobs will ask for an introductory video.
The purpose of this video is to give the employer a visual representation of who you are and allow them to assess your communication skills.
You should make your introductions positive and leave out any negative aspects about your experience. It is also useful to mention that you will be able to work from home as a remote employee for the company.
Working as a remote developer requires strong communication. Many companies will ask for weekly updates about your progress and some may even request daily updates.
You should always do your best to meet their requirements; otherwise, they may not want to work with you in the future.
When looking for a company to work for, you will need to do some research on different positions and requirements.
This is a good time for a reality check because it may turn out that you are overqualified or under qualified for some of the positions. With this information, you can create a strategy that will help you land remote coding jobs.
When you find the right company to work for, ask them what they are looking for in an employee. You can also ask about their communication expectations and how often you should be checking up with them.
Remember that every company is different so it is important to make sure that your needs are being met. If you feel uncomfortable about any aspect of your job, then you should let the company know right away.
Working as a remote developer can be fun and exciting because it allows you to work for different companies around the world.
The only downside is that you will not have regular co-workers with whom to socialize on a daily basis.
Who earns more Software Developer or Web Developer?
Software developers typically earn more than web developers because of the specific skills they have, and the fact that they can work remotely.
How to get a job as a Software Developer with no experience?
First, you want to make sure that your resume is well-formatted and filled with relevant keywords which are related to computer science.
Be sure to mention what programming languages you know, because this will help you get an interview.
An additional step might be finding someone who does have experience in this field who can provide you with tips or connect you with someone in charge of hiring for programmers, but be prepared that they may not want to do so.
Find a job posting on various website and submit your resume. If there isn’t any mention of programming knowledge or experience required, that is your green light!
You just want to make sure that you copy the basic language and formatting structures used in all of their postings.
You can find those keywords by looking at previous postings for the same job. In addition, if you have access to online communities for programmers or other similar fields, be sure to do some research there as well.
How much does a Software Developer make?
A software developer’s salary can vary quite a bit depending on the company, location, and a host of other factors.
For instance, a new graduate starting out as a software developer could make as low as $50,000 per year while a industry veteran could make upwards of $125,000.
As per BLS article, on an average a software developer makes around $110,140 per year as of 2020. The average software engineer salary is usually higher than the industry average for many other industries.
What are the important Software Developer Skills?
Software developers should have a strong foundation in a programming language such as Java, C++, Python, or Java.
Developers should also be able to use libraries and frameworks such as Hibernate or Spring. The other skills that should be considered include:
- Oral and written communication should also be strong with the ability to communicate ideas and work effectively with team members;
- Strong problem solving skills;
- Demonstrated creativity and innovation;
- Ability to complete tasks accurately and efficiently while maintaining quality;
- Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks;
- Knowledge of a variety of IT platforms and systems.
Hard Skills for Software Developers
Software developers are in demand in the current marketplace, because there is a need for programmers who have specific expertise in certain types of applications.
One major requirement that employers look for is someone who can use Java, C#, C++, Python, Ruby on Rails and other programming languages.
Additionally, software developers must be able to program using Unix/Linux environments and be familiar with distributed computing technology such as OpenMP and Hadoop.
Software developers may also need experience with databases like Oracle and MySQL.
Soft Skills for Software Developers
Some of the soft skills that are good to have are:
- Critique Other People’s Ideas – be a good listener and a good critic.
- Be Productive and Meet Deadlines – meet deadlines, take tasks one at a time, put in the extra hours when necessary.
- Know your Limits – know your skills, know your time constraints.
- Be Patient and Flexible – be patient with others, especially with those who are new to the team.
- Solve Problems In-House – don’t go outside of the company for solutions if you can find what you need inside.
- Learn from Mistakes- learn from past mistakes and don’t dwell on them.
- Know When to Take a Break – take breaks during work so that you can be fully productive.
- Be a Leader – don’t be afraid to take on leadership roles and recognize the needs of your teammates.
- Don’t Look for Ways to Make Others Unhappy – always maintain good relationships with your coworkers and bosses.
- Work as a Team – work well with others, respect their ideas, and share credit for the team’s victories.
- Keep Your Ego in Check – don’t brag about your accomplishments and let others have their moment if they deserve it.
- Know When to Step up or Stay out of the Way – know when you need to speak up about an idea, and when everyone else is already on the same page.
- Listen More Than You Talk – know when to shut up and let others speak, as well as when to contribute important ideas.
- Be Open-Minded – don’t be afraid of new possibilities or concepts that you’re not used to.
- Seek Out Opportunities – look for any chance to improve your skills, seek out new opportunities within the company, and always volunteer to do more.
- Keep Your Schedule Open – keep your schedule free for unexpected tasks and meetings.
- Be Willing to Admit When You’re Wrong – be willing to change your mind when you realize that you were wrong in the first place.
- Be Reliable – be on time for everything, always meet deadlines, and keep your word.
- Stay Current with Industry News – read online publications regularly to stay up-to-date with the industry’s happenings.
- Ask Questions When You Don’t Know Something – don’t pretend to know something when you don’t, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
Work Environment of Software Developers
Software developers typically work in an office or cubicle environment. They are required to have additional technical skills for their job, such as the ability to develop software solutions that are appropriate for their company’s needs.
Is it hard to become a software developer?
It’s difficult, but not impossible. The learning curve for software development is exceptionally steep, often taking years to master.
This makes it hard for beginners to become accomplished programmers. However, there are many ways to level the playing field and catch up with veteran programmers who’ve had 15+ years of experience coding in one language or another.
1) Free online courses like Codeacademy.
2) Software developer meetups or networking groups that can pair you with experienced developers willing to share their knowledge.
3) Looking for opportunities at expanding companies where rookies are encouraged and mentored by existing staff.
4) Giving yourself time outside of work hours or on weekends—no matter how busy life may be—to learn something new every day.
5) Investing in quality study materials, like Stack Overflow.
6) Getting your hands on some really great coding books.
7) Participating in online forums or discussion boards filled with experienced developers who are willing to share their knowledge when asked for it.
8.) Not giving up after several failed attempts at learning how to code.
What do entry-level software developers do?
Entry-level software developers are usually assigned to more hands-on tasks that are the first steps to the company’s product. They work on tasks like algorithm design, research and development, and data gathering.
Another task is writing test programs to find out what parts of a product aren’t working as intended. They have to be able to communicate with more senior developers, who are usually busy refining and maintaining the software.
Types of Careers in Software Development
The most common job types in Software Development are:
- Analyst
- Architect
- Developer
- Engineer
- Designer
- Programmer
- Quality Assurance
- Project Manager
- Test Engineer
- Technical Writer
Professional Resources for Software Developers
- Association for Computing Machinery external site
- CompTIA external site
- Computing Research Association external site
- IEEE Computer Society
Best Websites for Software Developers
- Stack Overflow
- GitHub
- FreeCodeCamp
- CodePen
- Dribbble
- SitePoint.
Technology Skills for Software Developers
Amazon DynamoDB, Elasticsearch, MongoDB, Oracle PL/SQL, Airtable, Apache Hive, Apache Ant, Go, Apache Spark, jQuery, Scala, Backbone.js, Microsoft ASP.NET, React and Spring Framework.
