What Is a Software Developer: Job Descriptions, Salaries, & More

What Is a Software Developer?

Software developers are the creative and innovative masterminds behind software programs. Their work is largely focused on creating and building software programs for consumers. This includes understanding the needs of consumers, developing the required programs, monitoring performance and updating the programs as and when needed.

Some software developers focus on building specific applications and programs, while others build the underlying systems that help power these applications and programs. This is why software developers are classified into two main types:

1. Applications Software Developers

Applications software developers design specific computer applications. These can be games, word processors or even custom software to be sold to the public. 

2. Systems Software Developers 

Systems software developers build operating systems that keep software programs functioning properly. This role is geared more toward designing solutions for enterprise organizations, including software for industrial, military, healthcare, scientific, and general computing applications.

Software Developer Skills

There are some technical skills you need to have to become a good software developer. With so many tools, platforms, languages out in the market every single day, you should have the knowledge to integrate the modern technologies and other technical stuff in your work to make a good product or software. 

Here are some important technical skills you should have as a software developer:

Data Structure and Algorithms

A good knowledge of data structure and algorithms is at the heart of software development. This skill is required to organize massive amounts of code using the right structure and to solve a specific problem in less time and space.

Programming Languages

As a software developer, you must have a strong command over at least one programming language. When it comes to deciding which programming language to choose, it depends on your area of interest. Here are some of the most popular programming languages:

Fig: Most popular programming languages (Source)

Testing Basics

Although the software programs are given to the testers before being released into the market, a software developer needs to have basic testing skills to shorten the development cycle.

Source Control

Source control helps software developers manage and store their code. A developer who is proficient in version control is in popular demand in a number of organizations. 

Databases

Another essential skill for developers is the knowledge of working with databases. It is impossible to develop any kind of application and software for an organization without the knowledge of the enterprise database.

Operating Systems

A software developer should know the fundamentals and mechanism of different operating systems. The most common operating systems preferred by developers is Windows.

Fig: Most popular operating systems (Source)

Networking Basics

Networking basics are fundamental for software developers as they play a crucial role in enabling applications to communicate over networks effectively. Understanding networking principles allows developers to design, develop, and maintain software solutions that interact with servers, databases, APIs, and other networked resources. Key concepts include:

• TCP/IP Protocols: Understanding Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and Internet Protocol (IP) and how they facilitate communication between devices on the internet.
• HTTP/HTTPS Protocols: Knowing how Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and its secure counterpart (HTTPS) are used for web communication.
• DNS: Understanding Domain Name System (DNS) and how it translates domain names to IP addresses.
• Firewalls and Security: Familiarity with network security principles, such as firewalls, encryption, and secure communication protocols, to protect data transmission.
• Networking Troubleshooting: Proficiency in diagnosing and resolving network-related issues that may affect application performance and connectivity.

Software Framework

Software frameworks provide developers with a structured foundation for building applications by offering pre-built components, libraries, and tools. Mastering software frameworks enables developers to:

• Accelerate Development: Leveraging existing components and modules to speed up the development process.
• Improve Code Quality: Utilizing best practices and design patterns embedded within the framework to ensure code consistency and maintainability.
• Enhance Scalability: Building applications that can scale efficiently by utilizing scalable architecture and components provided by the framework.
• Simplify Maintenance: Employing standardized approaches for handling common tasks, reducing the complexity of maintenance and updates.
• Popular software frameworks include Django and Flask for Python web development, Ruby on Rails for Ruby, Spring Framework for Java, Angular and React for JavaScript, and .NET Framework for C#.

Proficiency in Debugging

Debugging is the process of identifying and fixing issues or bugs in software code. Proficient debugging skills are essential for software developers to:

• Identify Issues: Systematically analyze code to identify the root causes of errors, exceptions, and unexpected behavior.
• Isolate Problems: Use debugging tools and techniques to isolate specific sections of code or variables contributing to the issue.
• Verify Solutions: Test and validate fixes to ensure they resolve the problem without introducing new issues.
• Improve Code Quality: Learn from debugging sessions to improve coding practices and prevent similar issues in the future.
• Debugging tools such as integrated debuggers, logging frameworks, and profiling tools are indispensable for effective debugging.

Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is a software tool that provides comprehensive support for software development activities. Proficiency in IDEs enables developers to:

• Write Code Efficiently: Utilize features such as syntax highlighting, code completion, and templates to write code more quickly and accurately.
• Debug Seamlessly: Debug applications using built-in debuggers, breakpoints, and inspection tools within the IDE.
• Manage Projects: Organize code files, dependencies, and resources within the IDE's project management features.
• Version Control Integration: Integrate with version control systems like Git to manage code changes, branches, and collaboration.
• Popular IDEs include Visual Studio, IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse, PyCharm, and Visual Studio Code, each tailored to specific programming languages and development workflows.

Encryption

Encryption is the process of encoding data to prevent unauthorized access, ensuring data confidentiality and integrity. Understanding encryption enables developers to:

• Secure Communication: Implement encryption algorithms to secure data transmission over networks, such as SSL/TLS for web communication.
• Protect Data: Encrypt sensitive data stored in databases or files to prevent unauthorized access or tampering.
• Authenticate Users: Utilize encryption for user authentication mechanisms, such as password hashing and digital signatures.
• Comply with Regulations: Adhere to data protection regulations and standards by implementing encryption measures.
• Common encryption techniques include symmetric encryption (e.g., AES), asymmetric encryption (e.g., RSA), hashing algorithms (e.g., SHA-256), and cryptographic protocols (e.g., SSL/TLS).

Object-Oriented Design (OOD)

Object-Oriented Design (OOD) is a programming paradigm that focuses on modeling software systems as collections of interacting objects. Proficiency in OOD enables developers to:

• Modularize Code: Organize code into reusable and maintainable objects with clear boundaries and responsibilities.
• Encapsulate Data: Hide internal implementation details of objects, exposing only necessary interfaces for interaction.
• Promote Reusability: Design classes and objects that can be reused across multiple projects, reducing development time and effort.
• Facilitate Extensibility: Utilize inheritance and polymorphism to create flexible and extensible code that can accommodate future changes.
• Object-oriented programming languages like Java, C++, C#, Python, and Ruby provide robust support for OOD principles, encouraging developers to design scalable and maintainable software systems.

What Does a Software Developer Do?

Software developers write large amounts of code from scratch for a new program or application. They also maintain and update code for existing programs, check for software bugs and find ways to improve programs. They need to collaborate closely with other developers and clients to deliver a software that meets all the requirements.

The roles and responsibilities of a software developer can vary based on their specialization, the industry they work in, and their experience level, but they all have these similar duties:

• To develop software that meet the consumers’ needs
• To monitor the performance of applications through continuous testing and maintenance
• To develop upgrades for existing applications.
• To document all work for future reference

Software developers identify the core functionality that users need from software programs and start with the development process. Once the program is built and tested, but found difficult to use, they go back to the design process to fix the problems and improve the program. After the program is released, they may also perform upgrades and maintenance.

Software Developer Salary

The geographic location plays a major role in the salary a software developer can expect. Certain countries have an elevated demand for software developers, leading to higher salaries. 

A software developer salary is the highest in the USA with an annual average salary of $107,502. Here is a list of the annual average salaries for software developers around the world:

Source: Daxx

How to Become a Software Developer?

There are several different paths you can take to build a career in software development. Here are the most common ways to get started: 

Earn a Bachelor's Degree

Most software developers often have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or any related field, coupled with strong programming skills. 

Get Hands-on Experience

There are many software developers out there who never got a degree in Computer Science, but have gained massive success due to hands-on experience and their interests in the field (Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, etc). 

Get Trained and Certified

If you do not have any prior experience in coding, you can take up a Post Graduate Program in Full Stack Web Development or an online certification course to get trained in software development.

Software Developer Job Outlook

Every year, the US News and World Report generates a Top 100 list of the “best jobs”. “Software developer” is the only technology-related job to make it to the Top 10 several years in a row. Other than a generous median salary and a good work environment, software development is a good career because there is a lot of growth potential in this role. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developer jobs are projected to grow up to 22 percent between 2019 and 2029.

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Here’s What You Can Do Next

No matter what level of experience you have as a software developer, you must keep up to date on new tools and computer languages because in the software development field, changes happen at a lightning-fast pace. Simplilearn offers a number of software development courses that are updated with all the latest products, tools and apps released into the world every single day. There are dozens of programming languages and frameworks that you can choose and master in. Get started with courses like Full Stack Developer-MERN today and accelerate your career as a software developer.

FAQs

1. How to develop the skills of a software developer?

Developing the skills of a software developer requires a combination of formal education, hands-on experience, continuous learning, and practical application. Here are some steps to enhance your software development skills:

• Learn Programming Languages: Start by mastering one or more programming languages commonly used in software development, such as Python, Java, JavaScript, C++, or C#.
• Understand Data Structures and Algorithms: Gain a solid understanding of fundamental data structures (e.g., arrays, linked lists, trees) and algorithms (e.g., sorting, searching) to solve complex problems efficiently.
• Practice Problem-Solving: Solve coding challenges, participate in coding competitions, and work on projects that require problem-solving skills to strengthen your analytical abilities.
• Learn Development Tools and Technologies: Familiarize yourself with development tools, version control systems (e.g., Git), integrated development environments (IDEs), and software frameworks relevant to your chosen field of development.
• Build Projects: Apply your knowledge by working on real-world projects, either independently or collaboratively, to gain practical experience and showcase your skills to potential employers.
• Stay Updated: Keep pace with emerging technologies, trends, and best practices in software development through continuous learning, online courses, workshops, and participation in developer communities.
• Seek Feedback and Mentorship: Solicit feedback from peers, mentors, and experienced developers to identify areas for improvement and refine your skills over time.

2. What should I learn for software development?

To excel in software development, it's essential to learn a diverse set of technical and soft skills. Here's a comprehensive list of topics to consider:

• Programming Languages: Master one or more programming languages such as Python, Java, JavaScript, C++, or C#.
• Data Structures and Algorithms: Understand fundamental data structures (e.g., arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues) and algorithms (e.g., sorting, searching, graph algorithms).
• Database Management: Learn database concepts, SQL (Structured Query Language), and database management systems (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB).
• Web Development: Familiarize yourself with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for front-end development, along with server-side frameworks (e.g., Django, Flask, Node.js) for back-end development.
• Software Engineering Principles: Gain knowledge of software design patterns, architectural styles, software development methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum), and best practices for building scalable and maintainable software systems.
• Version Control: Understand version control systems like Git for managing code changes, collaboration, and codebase history.
• Testing and Debugging: Learn testing frameworks, unit testing, integration testing, and debugging techniques to ensure the quality and reliability of your code.
• Security: Acquire knowledge of cybersecurity principles, secure coding practices, encryption techniques, and common vulnerabilities to develop secure software applications.
• Cloud Computing: Familiarize yourself with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and cloud services for deploying, scaling, and managing applications in the cloud environment.

3. Which software has more demand?

The demand for software varies depending on industry trends, technological advancements, and business needs. However, some software domains consistently experience high demand due to their widespread use and relevance in various industries. These include:

• Web Development: Web technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and popular frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue.js are in high demand for building responsive and interactive web applications.
• Mobile Development: Mobile app development for iOS (using Swift) and Android (using Java or Kotlin) continues to be in demand as smartphones and mobile devices become ubiquitous.
• Data Science and Analytics: Skills in data analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI) are in high demand for extracting insights from data and making data-driven decisions.
• Cloud Computing: With the increasing adoption of cloud services, expertise in cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud is highly sought after for developing scalable and resilient cloud-native applications.
• Cybersecurity: As cyber threats become more sophisticated, there is a growing demand for cybersecurity professionals skilled in identifying, mitigating, and preventing security breaches and attacks.
• DevOps: DevOps practices, tools, and methodologies are in demand for automating software development, deployment, and operations to improve collaboration, efficiency, and reliability in software delivery pipelines.