What does an applications developer do?
An application developer is responsible for creating program applications for devices based on clients' specifications and business needs. Application developers must have excellent knowledge of computer systems, as well as a strong command of programming languages to develop customized programs. Duties of an application developer also include running diagnostic tests to ensure the application's performance and stability, providing instruction manuals for reference, performing troubleshooting for any inconsistencies, upgrading design codes for optimization, and launching the application following the client's timetable.
Applications developer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real applications developer resumes:
- Used to update issue tracker and manage code using version control system git.
- Create UNIX shell scripts to automate the FTP process, handling of data discards, data errors, compliance errors etc.
- Manage complete SDLC for development projects including gathering and determining business requirements.
- Used AngularJS HTTP request to read data from web services and process JSON data to render in the UI.
- Develop interfaces using JavaScript, HTML technologies for several web applications to fetch and graphically present require data from database.
- Core service uses the main database and the other Microservices use their individual databases to access and store data.
- Migrate multiple projects to improve current system/web tool using skills like Java, SQL, script language, Linux.
- Customize master pages, page layouts, themes & CSS to improve SharePoint UI customization and corporate branding look and feel.
- Develop PL/SQL store procedures to perform complex database operations.
- Develop the windows services to load database.
- Create SSIS job to send email notification.
- Develop KPIs for better visualization of the data.
- Sole designer and developer of the windows service component.
- Maintain and develop DTS packages, and create T-SQL scripts.
- Generate reports for internal business users or to be submit to government agencies using SSRS.
Applications developer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 11% of Applications Developers are proficient in Java, JavaScript, and C++. They’re also known for soft skills such as Interpersonal skills, Problem-solving skills, and Analytical skills.
We break down the percentage of Applications Developers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Java, 11%
Developed a REST-web service interface using Java Jersey framework thus enabling a third-party application to exchange data with the primary application.
- JavaScript, 7%
Developed interfaces using JavaScript, HTML technologies for several web applications to fetch and graphically present required data from database.
- C++, 6%
Developed software tools for simulating performance of motion-driven consumer electronics using robotics, Python, C++, and statistical analysis.
- QA, 4%
Worked closely with engineering managers to coordinate and verify corrective development efforts, including developing tests for QA to validate fixes.
- Database, 4%
Designed and developed hibernate configuration and session-per-request design pattern for making database connectivity and accessing the session for database transactions respectively.
- HTML, 4%
Participated in designing web pages using ASP.NET web controls, HTML, CSS, ASP.NET and AJAX Controls for HR module.
"java," "javascript," and "c++" are among the most common skills that applications developers use at work. You can find even more applications developer responsibilities below, including:
Interpersonal skills. One of the key soft skills for an applications developer to have is interpersonal skills. You can see how this relates to what applications developers do because "software developers must be able to work well with others who contribute to designing, developing, and programming successful software." Additionally, an applications developer resume shows how applications developers use interpersonal skills: "developed strong interpersonal and communication skills woking with a team of back end and front end website developers. "
Problem-solving skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling applications developer duties is problem-solving skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "because developers are in charge of software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process." According to an applications developer resume, here's how applications developers can utilize problem-solving skills in their job responsibilities: "suggested solutions to problems faced by other teams in java and database communities. "
Analytical skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of applications developers is analytical skills. This skill is critical to many everyday applications developer duties, as "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "spring framework was leveraged to provide dependency injection and transaction and session management for data access. "
Communication skills. A big part of what applications developers do relies on "communication skills." You can see how essential it is to applications developer responsibilities because "developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical applications developer tasks: "developed custom web services to allow communication between various internal java applications"
Detail oriented. Another common skill required for applications developer responsibilities is "detail oriented." This skill comes up in the duties of applications developers all the time, 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." An excerpt from a real applications developer resume shows how this skill is central to what an applications developer does: "implemented logging, auditing using spring framework's aspect oriented programming. "
Creativity. Lastly, "creativity" is an important element of what an applications developer does. Applications developer responsibilities require this skill because "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software." This resume example highlights how applications developer duties rely on this skill: "maintained and developed applications including trouble ticket management, network inventory and purchase order systems using cfml, javascript and sql. "
The three companies that hire the most applications developers are:
- Oracle733 applications developers jobs
- CBRE Group196 applications developers jobs
- Deloitte126 applications developers jobs
Choose from 10+ customizable applications developer resume templates
Build a professional applications developer resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your applications developer resume.
Compare different applications developers
Applications developer vs. Java/j2ee developer
Java developers are in charge of the design, development, and management of Java-based applications. Whereas, J2EE or Java 2 Platform Enterprise Edition developers are responsible for developing web and software enterprise-internet level applications. Both developers utilize the Java programming language, but the first one develops desktop-based applications while the later develop enterprise-related applications. Java developers have many roles and responsibilities, and they vary based on the applications that they develop and design.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an applications developer are more likely to require skills like "c++," "application development," "regression," and "strong analytical." On the other hand, a job as a java/j2ee developer requires skills like "mvc," "design patterns," "persistence," and "jms." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Java/j2ee developers really shine in the finance industry with an average salary of $100,301. Comparatively, applications developers tend to make the most money in the finance industry with an average salary of $103,905.On average, java/j2ee developers reach similar levels of education than applications developers. Java/j2ee developers are 0.3% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.3% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Applications developer vs. Software developer
A software developer is responsible for designing application systems to support the user and business' needs. Duties of a software developer include testing software codes, performing diagnostic programs and troubleshooting, interpreting system data and establishing efficient parameters, and ensuring the compatibility of the systems. A software developer must have an excellent knowledge of computer programs and programming languages to understand its complexities, especially on detecting system defects and malfunctions. A software developer must have strong attention to detail, communication, and decision-making skills to coordinate with the team and also work independently under minimal supervision.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, applications developer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "sql server," "good communication," "power bi," and "post implementation." Meanwhile, a software developer has duties that require skills in areas such as "python," "software development," "confluence," and "tcp ip." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Software developers may earn a lower salary than applications developers, but software developers earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $96,138. On the other hand, applications developers receive higher pay in the finance industry, where they earn an average salary of $103,905.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Software developers tend to reach similar levels of education than applications developers. In fact, they're 1.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for applications developers in the next 3-5 years?
Frank McCown Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Harding University
Applications developer vs. Senior .net developer
A senior .NET developer is responsible for creating and managing software applications and programming languages under the .NET framework. Senior .NET developers carefully analyze software specifications and system requirements to ensure high-quality concept implementation using optimal operating procedures. A senior .NET developer runs diagnostic tests to identify its inconsistencies, perform adjustments as needed, and create reports of the system's features and methodologies. A senior .NET developer must have strong knowledge of the technology industry and software programming disciplines to assist junior developers and drive strategic results.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, an applications developer is likely to be skilled in "c++," "database," "regression," and "git," while a typical senior .net developer is skilled in "net core," "web api," "architecture," and "net framework."
Senior .net developers earn the best pay in the finance industry, where they command an average salary of $106,638. Applications developers earn the highest pay from the finance industry, with an average salary of $103,905.When it comes to education, senior .net developers tend to earn similar degree levels compared to applications developers. In fact, they're 3.8% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Applications developer vs. Web developer
A web developer is responsible for designing and maintaining a website to attract customers and direct web traffic. Web developers' duty also includes analyzing software and database to develop new applications. A web developer must have extensive knowledge of programming languages and technology solutions to provide the best web design services for the clients, following their specifications, and submitting projects on or before the deadline. Web developers should have excellent time-management and decision-making skills to do tasks efficiently and accurately.
Types of applications developer
Updated January 8, 2025
