Software developers conceive of, design, and build computer programs. Some develop new applications for mobile or desktop use, while others build underlying operating systems. Either way, software developers identify user needs, build programs, test out new software, and make improvements. Working closely with computer programmers, software developers fill crucial roles in the computer systems, manufacturing, finance, and software publishing industries.
What Does a Software Developer Do?
- Use various source debuggers and visual development environments to modify, write, and debug software for client applications.
- Document and test client software and write code to create applications that either stand alone or boost access to servers and services.
Many companies require candidates to have experience in the field and a bachelor’s degree in software development, computer programming, information technology, or computer science. Software developers typically work in office settings, and many also serve as information technology specialists in addition to their software development roles within a company.
Key Hard Skills
- ASP.NET: An open source software framework, ASP.NET allows users to build software apps and services with .NET. These resources allow users to create websites using HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS.
- JavaScript: JavaScript is a high-level, interpreted programming language conforming to the ECMAScript specification. The language is considered weakly typed, dynamic, multi-paradigm, and dynamic. Alongside HTML and CSS, it ranks among the three core technologies of the World Wide Web.
- Java: As a general-purpose programming language, Java features class-based, concurrent, object-oriented functions. Designed to minimize implementation dependencies, Java allows application developers to “write once, run anywhere.”
- C#: A general-purpose, multi-paradigm programming language, C# encompasses imperative, strong typing, functional, declarative, object-oriented, component-oriented, and generic programming disciplines.
- Python: Python is an interpreted, general-purpose, high-level programming language. Python’s design philosophy emphasizes code readability by using significant whitespace and providing clear programming on large and small scales.
Key Soft Skills
- Communication: Developers need to effectively communicate with customers, colleagues, managers, and employees in non-technical departments in order to do their jobs effectively.
- Teamwork: Software developers often work in teams to plan, design, and develop projects. They must collaborate effectively with others, receive feedback constructively, and participate in meetings.
- Problem-Solving: The responsibilities of a software developer include fixing problems that computer programmers or users find. They need great problem-solving abilities to ensure that a program works correctly.
- Attention to Detail: The best software developers possess detail-oriented sensibilities that enable them to identify and track small issues in code. They must also possess the ability to shift focus back and forth from the big picture to the minute details.