What does a lead application developer do?
A lead application developer specializes in spearheading the efforts in application and software development procedures. Typically, their responsibilities include setting goals and objectives, managing budgets and schedules, developing test and assessment structures, utilizing consumer feedback, and monitoring all processes, producing progress reports as needed. They must also address issues and concerns, resolving them promptly and efficiently. Furthermore, as the lead application developer, they must coordinate and encourage the application development team to reach goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
Lead application developer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real lead application developer resumes:
- Lead migration of the legacy core services to a rest API architecture.
- Configure and manage JGroup multicasting communication for apache tomcat web servers.
- Used web services to get product pricing from mainframe.
- Used JavaScript, Ajax for validating the values in the pages.
- Used jquery, HTML5, CSS3 extensively on the front end pages.
- Facilitate existing API change process base on evolving legal needs.
- Used TFS for version control and JIRA for effort tracking.
- Code optimization using various JavaScript plugins like Underscore.JS, Require.JS etc.
- Maintain and modify company's internet applications using PHP and HTML.
- Create standard CSS file to make fields look similar across the application.
- Apply strong emphasis on SEO standards, table less design and CSS practices.
- Develop batch system to emb claims data extract from databases into HTML form templates.
- Include RTTI and custom record methods to ease serialization of class data as JSON.
- Contribute to the team's SDLC process infrastructure to ensure ongoing improvement and compliance.
- Meet daily with offshore team to share status and update on code modifications and JIRA status.
Lead application developer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 10% of Lead Application Developers are proficient in Java, C++, and Application Development. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Creativity.
We break down the percentage of Lead Application Developers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Java, 10%
Lead application Developer and support engineer for Retail Application developed using Java and Microsoft SQL.
- C++, 5%
Designed and implemented object-oriented C++ application to manage firmware storage options.
- Application Development, 5%
Established communication procedures; defined roles and responsibilities, managed schedules and resource allocation for application development and support.
- JavaScript, 4%
Utilized Service Now JavaScript (Glide Script) component engine to automatically create incidents utilizing application supplied name value pairs.
- API, 4%
Developed conversion program for AP Invoices, Assets FA, GL balances, PA Projects using API.
- UI, 3%
Developed frameworks and customized UI elements.
Most lead application developers use their skills in "java," "c++," and "application development" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential lead application developer responsibilities here:
Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for a lead application developer to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what lead application developers do because "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs." Additionally, a lead application developer resume shows how lead application developers use analytical skills: "serve as lead database development expert and architect working with oracle, db2, ldap and java technologies in development environment. "
Communication skills. Another essential skill to perform lead application developer duties is communication skills. Lead application developers responsibilities require that "developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project." Lead application developers also use communication skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "worked closely with java developer in constructing the communications area and communications link. "
Creativity. This is an important skill for lead application developers to perform their duties. For an example of how lead application 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 lead application developer: "developed com dashboard to watch over inventory data flowing on set of stores using jquery and restful web service. ".
Detail oriented. For certain lead application developer responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "detail oriented." The day-to-day duties of a lead application 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 lead application developers do: "object-oriented programming, agile and scrum principles, cloud and web applications, virtualization (vms). "
Problem-solving skills. Another common skill required for lead application developer responsibilities is "problem-solving skills." This skill comes up in the duties of lead application developers all the time, 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." An excerpt from a real lead application developer resume shows how this skill is central to what a lead application developer does: "researched and proposed appropriate solutions to identify memory leaks in the java code. "
The three companies that hire the most lead application developers are:
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Compare different lead application developers
Lead application 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 a lead application developer are more likely to require skills like "c++," "application development," "project management," and "code reviews." On the other hand, a job as a java/j2ee developer requires skills like "database," "log4j," "design patterns," and "front end." 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, lead application developers tend to make the most money in the finance industry with an average salary of $121,142.The education levels that java/j2ee developers earn slightly differ from lead application developers. In particular, java/j2ee developers are 2.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a lead application developer. Additionally, they're 0.6% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Lead application 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.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that lead application developer responsibilities requires skills like "mvc," "project management," "code reviews," and "windows." But a software developer might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "python," "software development," "database," and "git."
On average, software developers earn a lower salary than lead application developers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, software developers earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $96,138. Whereas lead application developers have higher pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $121,142.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Software developers tend to reach similar levels of education than lead application developers. In fact, they're 1.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for lead application developers in the next 3-5 years?
Frank McCown Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Harding University
Lead application 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.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, lead application developers are more likely to have skills like "c++," "api," "spring boot," and "mvc." But a net developer is more likely to have skills like "sql server," "database," "asp," and "net mvc."
Net developers earn the best pay in the retail industry, where they command an average salary of $94,650. Lead application developers earn the highest pay from the finance industry, with an average salary of $121,142.When it comes to education, net developers tend to earn similar degree levels compared to lead application developers. In fact, they're 2.3% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.6% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Lead application developer vs. Ios developer
An iOS developer specializes in designing and creating iOS applications suitable for Apple devices, ensuring quality and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities typically revolve around collaborating with different developers to design and establish the applications' structure and features, developing a test system to identify its potential vulnerabilities, performing corrective measures, and conducting regular maintenance checks to ensure its quality. Moreover, they may release the application on the App Store, resolve any bugs, and spearhead constant updates for optimal application performance.
Types of lead application developer
Updated January 8, 2025
