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What does an application software developer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read
Quoted expert
Frank McCown Ph.D.

An application software developer is responsible for creating and designing software systems and applications according to the clients' specifications or business demands. Application software developers operate various system tools and programming codes to customize programs, implement software solutions, modify test codes, and update existing applications to boost efficiency and optimal performance. They perform multiple diagnostic tests before releasing outputs to ensure its stability, smooth navigation, and flawless transitions. An application software developer coordinates with the clients or supervisor for the project updates, following the budget goals and timeframes.

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Application software developer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real application software developer resumes:

  • Manage and complete multiple concurrent ERP software implementation projects.
  • Focus on rich interface applications (RIA) using JavaScript and Google API's.
  • Create batches, process EFT, ACH and lockbox payments to patient's accounts.
  • Used HTML, and CSS to create static web pages for the directory system solution.
  • Research and process return checks and ACH debits.
  • Follow strict SDLC guidelines and software development methodologies and change control procedures.
  • Develop unit-tests with the Mockito API that ensure safe code refactoring and feature addition.
  • Create XML for deployment descriptors, struts configuration files and integrate to validation, tiles files.
  • Develop website which hosts training videos for clinicians and parents which are built using ASP.NET MVC.
  • Process incoming funds including checks form lockbox, wire transfers, EFT, and credit cards.
  • Involve in testing the application processes and debugging the issues relate to the database side of the application.
  • Expedite delivery of an insurance provider's mobile application across multiple platforms by using PhoneGap, HTML5 and CSS.
  • Fix bugs relate to the UI of network technologies, network selection mode, data services and radio network.
  • Post credit card payments, fax deposits, lockboxes, ACH payments and cash payments on a daily basis.
  • Used JAVA (SE/Swing/Java 2D) for in-house programs to retrieve both ASCII and binary data from back-end solver results.

Application software developer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 20% of Application Software Developers are proficient in Java, C++, and JavaScript. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Creativity.

We break down the percentage of Application Software Developers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Java, 20%

    Worked extensively on customizing list entry forms and written Java Script validation.

  • C++, 6%

    Used Visual C++ 6.0 and Compaq FORTRAN to port solvers from UNIX to Windows 2000 workstations.

  • JavaScript, 5%

    Implemented client-side validations using JavaScript and AJAX Library.

  • Python, 4%

    Created software specifications to ensure Python API communication with hardware.

  • Object Oriented Programming, 4%

    Developed Web Based Banking Applications like Brand Migration, Mortgage Module Development and Snapshot Functionality using Object Oriented Programming.

  • Application Development, 4%

    Supported application development, business analysis, research and development, system integration, defect management and production support.

Common skills that an application software developer uses to do their job include "java," "c++," and "javascript." You can find details on the most important application software developer responsibilities below.

Analytical skills. The most essential soft skill for an application software developer to carry out their responsibilities is analytical skills. This skill is important for the role because "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs." Additionally, an application software developer resume shows how their duties depend on analytical skills: "designed and implemented innovative data-centric process analysis and visualization solutions for a diverse range of manufacturing companies. "

Communication skills. Another essential skill to perform application software developer duties is communication skills. Application software developers responsibilities require that "developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project." Application software developers also use communication skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "developed tcp/ip sockets communications and transaction-processing software for symbol barcode-capable pocket pc devices, desktop applications and web application interfaces. "

Creativity. This is an important skill for application software developers to perform their duties. For an example of how application software developer responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of an application software developer: "upgraded shipping inventory software from basic to c++ with expanded features and capability. ".

Detail oriented. For certain application software developer responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "detail oriented." The day-to-day duties of an application software developer rely on this skill, as "developers often work on many parts of an application or system at the same time and must therefore be able to concentrate and pay attention to detail." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what application software developers do: "used .net framework 4.0/3.5, n-tier architecture and object oriented methodologies for application development. "

Interpersonal skills. Another common skill required for application software developer responsibilities is "interpersonal skills." This skill comes up in the duties of application software developers all the time, as "software developers must be able to work well with others who contribute to designing, developing, and programming successful software." An excerpt from a real application software developer resume shows how this skill is central to what an application software developer does: "developed strong interpersonal and communication skills woking with a team of back end and front end website developers. "

Problem-solving skills. While "problem-solving skills" is last on this skills list, don't underestimate its importance to application software developer responsibilities. Much of what an application software developer does relies on this skill, seeing as "because developers are in charge of software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process." Here is a resume example of how this skill is used in the everyday duties of application software developers: "web services - originally developed soap solution using java/eclipse and glassfish server then ported to embedded linux and boa web server. "

All application software developer skills

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Compare different application software developers

Application software developer vs. Developer

Developers are usually system or application developers in a company who work on specific projects related to networks or applications from conception to implementation. They attend planning sessions to ensure that the program is feasible. They are responsible for designing the system through coding and basic user interface design. They also work on troubleshooting any challenges that may be met at the testing stage of the program's development. They solve challenges and ensure that minimal problems will arise upon publishing the system or application. They also manage the evaluation to ensure that the program's goals are accomplished and that the end-users are satisfied with the results.

The annual salary of developers is $4,648 lower than the average salary of application software developers.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between application software developers and developers are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like java, feature development, and c++.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, application software developer responsibilities require skills like "application development," "software applications," "development environment," and "http." Meanwhile a typical developer has skills in areas such as "aws," "web services," "microservices," and "scrum." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Developers tend to make the most money working in the finance industry, where they earn an average salary of $104,286. In contrast, application software developers make the biggest average salary, $121,966, in the professional industry.developers tend to reach similar levels of education than application software developers. In fact, developers are 0.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

Application software developer vs. Net developer

A NET developer specializes in crafting and producing various software and information systems through extensive computer and information technology knowledge. A NET developer's responsibilities range from designing and developing applications, generating codes and building a secure database, implementing regulations, and providing continuous support and maintenance. A NET developer must also have an active line of communication and coordination as there are instances when one's work revolves in a team setting or meets particular demands or specifications from a client.

On average, net developers earn a $15,740 lower salary than application software developers a year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Application software developers and net developers both require similar skills like "java," "javascript," and "object oriented programming" to carry out their responsibilities.

Each career also uses different skills, according to real application software developer resumes. While application software developer responsibilities can utilize skills like "feature development," "c++," "python," and "software applications," net developers use skills like "sql server," "database," "web services," and "asp."

On average, net developers earn a lower salary than application software developers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, net developers earn the most pay in the retail industry with an average salary of $94,650. Whereas application software developers have higher pay in the professional industry, with an average salary of $121,966.In general, net developers achieve similar levels of education than application software developers. They're 0.9% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for application software developers in the next 3-5 years?

Frank McCown Ph.D.Frank McCown Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Associate Professor, Harding University

Software continues to move to mobile devices and the web and away from desktop applications. The pandemic has encouraged growth in applications that make in-person transactions go away, and that trend will likely continue. Obviously AI-enabled or assisted applications will continue to grow.

Application software developer vs. Php developer

A PHP developer is an individual who writes PHP scripts and coding to create or modify software and applications according to the needs of clients. PHP developers must develop programs, applications, and websites by using the dynamic scripting language of PHP that is known for web development and business applications. They are required to administer websites and test software applications as well as provide training for end-users. PHP developers are also required to solve complex issues for developing and integrating data storage.

On average, php developers earn lower salaries than application software developers, with a $13,714 difference per year.application software developers and php developers both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "java," "feature development," and "javascript," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from application software developer resumes include skills like "c++," "software applications," "api," and "development environment," whereas an php developer is more likely to list skills in "wordpress," "laravel," "lamp," and "backend. "

Php developers make a very good living in the finance industry with an average annual salary of $120,305. On the other hand, application software developers are paid the highest salary in the professional industry, with average annual pay of $121,966.When it comes to education, php developers tend to earn similar degree levels compared to application software developers. In fact, they're 1.7% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Application software developer vs. Lead developer

A lead developer is responsible for creating software programs and applications, following the client and the business's software quality standards and design specifications. Lead developers assist a team of developers in implementing strategic procedures, managing system codes, debugging applications, running diagnostic tests, and troubleshooting defects to ensure its smooth performance. They also respond to clients' inquiries and concerns, performing feature adjustments as needed. A lead developer must have strong knowledge of the technology industry and command on programming languages and software design processes.

Lead developers tend to earn a higher pay than application software developers by an average of $11,616 per year.While their salaries may vary, application software developers and lead developers both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "java," "feature development," and "c++. "While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "python," "software applications," "front end," and "development environment" are skills that commonly show up on application software developer resumes. On the other hand, lead developers use skills like architecture, digital transformation, code reviews, and scrum on their resumes.In general, lead developers earn the most working in the retail industry, with an average salary of $119,501. The highest-paying industry for an application software developer is the professional industry.lead developers reach similar levels of education compared to application software developers, in general. The difference is that they're 1.3% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.5% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of application software developer

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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