The technology world would be a very different without software developers. But what does a software developer really do? Let’s explore this increasingly important profession to learn more about the day-to-day activities of software developers, their skills, duties and responsibilities, salary, and more.

Software developers, in simple terms is someone who develops software applications. The problem is that not many people outside the IT industry know what software development involves.

On the other hand, software development is defined as a process by which a software is created using a specific programming language. This process can be broken down into different steps—research, analysis, design, coding, testing, and lastly, deployment.

Software developers use different programming languages to develop software applications. According to the PYPL PopularitY of Programming Language Index, the most popular programming languages at the moment are Python, followed by Java, JavaScript, C#, and PHP.

Types of Software Developers

Just like there are art teachers, history teachers, physics teachers, there are also different types of software developers, and each have domain-specific knowledge.

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Front-end Developers

In software development, front-end is the part of a software application where user can see and interact with.

Front-end developers don’t have a very deep understanding of computer science theory. Instead, their expertise lies in HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, various JavaScript Frameworks, UX, and UI.

With new technologies and frameworks being released everytime, user expectations are also evolving just as quickly. Great front-end developers are fantastic problem-solvers who love learning new things and applying them to meet the needs of end-users.

Back-end Developers

Back-end developers specialize in building and maintaining the logical infrastructure that powers user-facing components.

When you open ecommerce sites and searches for a product, all you see is an search bar and a button. However, behind this simple search bar, is a mind-boggling system developed by leading back-end developers.

Back-end developers knows Python, Java, C++, which are three very popular back-end programming languages. Other popular languages include PHP, Ruby, Pearl, etc. Back-end developers also work with databases, caching systems, and servers.

Full-Stack Developers

Full-Stack Developers are software developers that has both front-end and back-end development skills/knowledge.

When the project is small or medium-sized, full-stack developers might work hand in hand in one team, creating a coherent product that all of them can understand and update.

Web Developers

Web Developers are software developers that specializes in website development. Twenty to ten years ago, websites were simpler, consisting of images and texts that aren’t formatted much. Over the years, website have become more complex with a lot of dynamic, eye-catching styles.

While HTML and CSS knowledge is still required, these developers should also be skilled in PHP, JavaScript, databases, web design, UX design, and SEO.

When developing larger and more complex websites, web developers typically divide their roles between the front-end and the back-end.

Mobile Developers

With the advent of smartphones and tablets, businesses nowadays turn to mobile developers to create their own business application. There are two operating systems dominating the mobile landscape, Android and iOS. Mobile developers learn the development languages, frameworks and environments of each of these OS to create a mobile application.

What does a software developer do besides writing code?

• Reading other people’s code : Software Developers usually spend a lot of time reading through and understanding other people’s codes. That is because existing software applications are incredibly complex products of large software development teams, and it’s not possible for anyone to tweak one of those without making some effort to understand it first.

• Documenting code : Professional software developers spends a lot of time writing clear comment and documentation. By documenting their own code, it would be easier to understand and can also identify potential areas for improvement.

• Testing code : Testing is a very important part of every software development process, and all software developers test their own code, to test if it works properly and there aren’t any bugs or errors.

• Participating in meetings : Not only the Project Manager participates in meetings with clients, but the presence of a software developer is so important. Since they have the knowledge, they will be able to answer all client inquiries.

• Mentoring : Senior software developers assists junior and newbie software developers with their learning and career growth, sharing their knowledge, and answering their questions.

Other primary responsibilities:

• Working in tandem with other staff members such as Project Managers, Graphic Designers, other Developers, Database Administrators, and Sales and Marketing employees.

• Writing reports on project progress.

• Performing maintenance to existing systems by monitoring and correcting defects.

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Software application have been an integral part of our daily lives, and the demand for people who develop them has been greater. Go4Global is a  digital agency specializing in software development, web app, and mobile app development. We provide an affordable solution to any small and medium business projects, online entrepreneur and any start up companies.

Contact us now if you’re looking for a skilled software development team that creates unique, efficient software that meets your specific demands or requirements and fits into your business seamlessly.