What does a developer do?
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.
Developer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real developer resumes:
- Manage continuous integration, configure the servers using Jenkins.
- Analyze and manage the project throughout SDLC, written/review specification documents.
- Configure and manage JGroup multicasting communication for apache tomcat web servers.
- Upgrade internal loan and prospect tracking system to be more responsive and utilizing the latest in CSS & HTML.
- Implement this application, using object-orient Perl to dynamically generate HTML with embed JavaScript, interacting with back-end databases via DBI/DBD.
- Integrate content feeds via JSON, XML, and RSS from both internal and external sources into web content management components.
- Created/Modify numerous web pages using HTML with JavaScript validation.
- Hand-Code XHTML and CSS documents with both standard and proprietary code for integration with the company's software product.
- Used groovy and spring boot to collecting the data from users and package the data as JSON distribute to applications.
- Demonstrate knowledge of XML, SQL, HTTP/HTTPS and EAS processes and understand the different SAAS development processes and methodologies.
- Develop the ability for invoices create in HoursLogger to sync with a user s QuickBooks Online account utilizing the QuickBooks API.
- Work on client module to provide an abstraction layer over the rest API, allow you to access the end points.
- Work on extracting data from various sources (database, flat files, XML), transforming and loading the data.
- Used JIRA to track issues and perform unit testing on the app functions to ensure that the output is as expected.
- Create Controllers/RequestMappings using spring MVC.
Developer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 7% of Developers are proficient in JavaScript, Python, and Java. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Creativity.
We break down the percentage of Developers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- JavaScript, 7%
Developed several client side validation codes using JavaScript for validating the different fields.
- Python, 6%
Developed several Python administrative scripts to automate project deployment process.
- Java, 6%
Designed, implemented and maintained internal applications using a variety of technologies with an emphasis on Java/J2EE.
- C++, 5%
Developed scientific application with a 3-dimensional graphical user interface using C++ and OpenGL.
- API, 4%
Used the Objective-C API from Google to query the spreadsheets and perform some automatic updates on those through an iPhone interface.
- CSS, 4%
Configured multiple Catalog Items Front-end web / GUI components using JavaScript, Soap, web services, CSS, HTML5.
"javascript," "python," and "java" are among the most common skills that developers use at work. You can find even more developer responsibilities below, including:
Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a developer to have is analytical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs." Developers often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "create sql server stored procedures for data transformation and migration from system databases to reporting and visualization optimized databases. "
Communication skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling developer duties is communication skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project." According to a developer resume, here's how developers can utilize communication skills in their job responsibilities: "used soa architecture for communication between various business entities. "
Creativity. This is an important skill for developers to perform their duties. For an example of how 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 a developer: "developed and maintained back end codes for the inventory systems using java, j2ee and web services using rest. ".
Detail oriented. A big part of what developers do relies on "detail oriented." You can see how essential it is to developer responsibilities because "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." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical developer tasks: "authored a company white paper that details the process of deploying j2ee applications using silverstream application server. "
Interpersonal skills. Another crucial skill for a developer to carry out their responsibilities is "interpersonal skills." A big part of what developers relies on this skill, since "software developers must be able to work well with others who contribute to designing, developing, and programming successful software." How this skill relates to developer duties can be seen in an example from a developer resume snippet: "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 developer responsibilities. Much of what a 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 developers: "design solutions and dashboards for data aggregation and visualization. "
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Compare different developers
Developer vs. Mobile applications developer
A mobile application developer is responsible for designing programming applications for mobile devices according to clients' specifications and business demands. Mobile application developers must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, as well as computer system commands to develop efficient scripts and smooth navigation of operating systems. They analyze the clients' needs and recommend application solutions within their budget limitations and timeframe. A mobile application developer identifies inconsistencies and glitches with the output before submission to ensure its stability and optimal performance.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a developer are more likely to require skills like "python," "aws," "html5," and "front end." On the other hand, a job as a mobile applications developer requires skills like "c #," "application development," "objective-c," and "xcode." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Mobile applications developers tend to make the most money working in the pharmaceutical industry, where they earn an average salary of $107,574. In contrast, developers make the biggest average salary, $104,286, in the finance industry.The education levels that mobile applications developers earn slightly differ from developers. In particular, mobile applications developers are 5.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a developer. Additionally, they're 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Developer vs. Web application developer
A web application developer is responsible for designing website and system applications following clients' specifications and business' needs. Web application developers utilize their expertise in programming languages and system codes, ensuring the efficiency and smooth navigation of the website. They also run multiple diagnostic tests on the output before release, identifying inconsistencies, and addressing incompatibilities on browsers and devices. A web application developer should be detail-oriented and highly-technical as this job requires excellent digital knowledge to manage complex systems.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that developer responsibilities requires skills like "c++," "aws," "mvc," and "sql server." But a web application developer might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "database," "application development," "web forms," and "windows."
On average, web application developers earn a lower salary than developers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, web application developers earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $88,928. Whereas developers have higher pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $104,286.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Web application developers tend to reach similar levels of education than developers. In fact, they're 3.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for developers in the next 3-5 years?
Frank McCown Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Harding University
Developer vs. Lead software developer
A lead software developer is responsible for creating and designing software applications and systems to support business functions and client requirements. Lead software developers analyze specifications to build efficient applications, conduct multiple quality testing, and enhance the user's interface. They also coordinate with the design engineers to modify and improve the features of existing software applications for optimal performance. A lead software developer must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in considering the current technology trends to meet demands.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a developer is likely to be skilled in "git," "aws," "html5," and "front end," while a typical lead software developer is skilled in "architecture," "application development," "software development," and "project management."
Lead software developers earn the highest salary when working in the manufacturing industry, where they receive an average salary of $115,917. Comparatively, developers have the highest earning potential in the finance industry, with an average salary of $104,286.Most lead software developers achieve a similar degree level compared to developers. For example, they're 2.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 1.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Developer vs. Applications developer
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.
Types of developer
Updated January 8, 2025
