What does a junior programmer do?
Junior programmers are entry-level professionals who are responsible for designing and implementing computer software that meets the needs of internal and external clients. Under the supervision of the IT director and development coordinator, these programmers must work with a team to develop specifications and write software applications. They are required to write code, test, and troubleshoot programs that utilize database and programming technology. Junior programmers must also consult users to analyze the performance of programs and take actions to correct deficiencies.
Junior programmer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real junior programmer resumes:
- Lead solutions engineering that involve process automation, macro conversion and functionality enhancement.
- Boost user interface performance through front end navigation menus in HTML and CSS.
- Support development of a user interface for new web- base delivery platform including utilization of JavaScript and implementation of CSS.
- Update many deprecate technologies such as old jQuery, ereg to preg, and PHP version support.
- Develop JavaScript API for cross platform application development.
- Develop the required CSS style sheets for the project.
- Provide maintenance and support for a publishing application build using Java AWT.
- Involve in performance tuning and monitoring of both T-SQL and PL/SQL blocks.
- Develop online interface to browse the listing of the books with JSP and HTML.
- Maintain XML files that pertain to characters abilities and equipment for proper stat tracking.
- Assist customers with connectivity issues, debug customers' Perl and php scripts http: //www.intermind.net
- Program development and modifications in an IBM OS/MVS environment, using COBOL, TSO/E-mail, SE/SPF, and OS2.
- Create company s personal web-server on linux (Ubuntu) machine which would allow to access local database server remotely.
- Develop, test and maintain online and batch programs for a large online credit system using COBOL, CICS and VSAM.
- Automate generating appropriations tracking spreadsheet reports in python.
Junior programmer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 12% of Junior Programmers are proficient in C++, JavaScript, and Web Application. They’re also known for soft skills such as Troubleshooting skills, Detail oriented, and Analytical skills.
We break down the percentage of Junior Programmers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- C++, 12%
Developed program enhancements and proof of concept models with proprietary Pascal and Visual C++.
- JavaScript, 7%
Implemented Client side validations using JavaScript.
- Web Application, 6%
Kicked off development of ASP/SQL Server-based internal web application, introducing the company to web-based reporting
- Java, 6%
Programmed and coded small modules and functional code in C, Visual Basic, and Java.
- HTML, 6%
Designed and coded a Mobil Travel Guide online survey, using HTML, ASP, and MS SQL 6.5 server.
- Python, 5%
Created standalone desktop application for use as a scripting language for web-based programs through Python.
Most junior programmers use their skills in "c++," "javascript," and "web application" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential junior programmer responsibilities here:
Troubleshooting skills. The most essential soft skill for a junior programmer to carry out their responsibilities is troubleshooting skills. This skill is important for the role because "an important part of a programmer’s job is to check the code for errors and fix any they find." Additionally, a junior programmer resume shows how their duties depend on troubleshooting skills: "involved in troubleshooting of front end issues with the seo results. "
Detail oriented. Many junior programmer duties rely on detail oriented. "computer programmers must closely examine the code they write because a small mistake can affect the entire computer program.," so a junior programmer will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways junior programmer responsibilities rely on detail oriented: "experience in java back-end developer with good command on object oriented design and principles. "
Analytical skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of junior programmers is analytical skills. This skill is critical to many everyday junior programmer duties, as "computer programmers must understand complex instructions in order to create computer code." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "worked on cascading style sheets and setting up data exchange with other websites using xml web services. "
The three companies that hire the most junior programmers are:
- St. Mary's University2 junior programmers jobs
- Trideum2 junior programmers jobs
- The Center for Health Care Services1 junior programmers jobs
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Compare different junior programmers
Junior programmer vs. Associate software engineer
An associate software engineer is an individual who is responsible for improving existing software or designing new application software. Working under the supervision of a senior software engineer and together with a team of engineering professionals, associate software engineers must be able to code software and ensure that it can run with different types of technology. They must have the technical knowledge and expertise of commanding programming languages such as JAVA, HTML, and CSS. Associate software engineers are also required to assist the QA team in testing the software before it is released to the customers.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, junior programmer responsibilities require skills like "javascript," "database objects," "microsoft sql server," and "architecture." Meanwhile a typical associate software engineer has skills in areas such as "git," "scrum," "taking care," and "code reviews." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Associate software engineers really shine in the finance industry with an average salary of $111,877. Comparatively, junior programmers tend to make the most money in the technology industry with an average salary of $71,577.On average, associate software engineers reach higher levels of education than junior programmers. Associate software engineers are 5.3% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Junior programmer vs. Software engineer
A software engineer is a computer science professional who is responsible for the development of information systems, designing and building computer systems software and applications software. They often prefer to call themselves as a software developer or computer programmer. They have substantial knowledge of programming languages, software development, and computer operating systems, and other technologies. They use these to turn a plan into a final output. They can create a design, test, and develop software based on the needs of their clients.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real junior programmer resumes. While junior programmer responsibilities can utilize skills like "javascript," "database objects," "microsoft sql server," and "data analysis," software engineers use skills like "software development," "database," "git," and "c."
Software engineers earn a higher average salary than junior programmers. But software engineers earn the highest pay in the start-up industry, with an average salary of $122,617. Additionally, junior programmers earn the highest salaries in the technology with average pay of $71,577 annually.software engineers earn higher levels of education than junior programmers in general. They're 9.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for junior programmers in the next 3-5 years?
Frank McCown Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Harding University
Junior programmer vs. Contract developer
Contract Developers develop secure web applications for data collections, quality measurement efforts, and reporting purposes for large-scale performance, wireframes and UI specifications for interactive and static reporting and analysis features, and developing UI to interact with reporting engines. They are involved with system design and technical documentation and responsible for dot net development. In this position, contract developers must excellent in problem-solving, analytical skills and attention to detail, display and manipulate performance metrics, and highly confident dealing with internal and external clients.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, junior programmers are more likely to have skills like "database objects," "data analysis," "architecture," and "windows nt." But a contract developer is more likely to have skills like "api," "aws," "git," and "net core."
Contract developers earn the highest salary when working in the finance industry, where they receive an average salary of $103,060. Comparatively, junior programmers have the highest earning potential in the technology industry, with an average salary of $71,577.When it comes to education, contract developers tend to earn similar degree levels compared to junior programmers. In fact, they're 4.3% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 1.9% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Junior programmer 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 junior programmer
Updated January 8, 2025
