What does a lead programmer do?
Lead programmer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real lead programmer resumes:
- Lead programmer managing several teams on multiple games for the XBOX, PS2, and PC.
- Lead solutions engineering that involve process automation, macro conversion and functionality enhancement.
- Develop custom HTML and CSS documents for external clients.
- Format HTML, RTF and PDF reports, using SAS - output delivery system ODS.
- Administer multiple Linux base web servers.
- Develop stored procedures for data access using PL/SQL.
- Develop customer applications using JCO, XML, and DTD.
- Create custom sizing logic in PHP using Rickey s proprietary formulas.
- Oversee programmers and assist them with coding in PHP and MySQL.
- Join team in troubleshooting and maintaining banks loan system running on UNIX.
- Create CSS for the entire application in order to maintain uniformity throughout the application.
- Implement Ajax using Jquery, to improve responsiveness of the web pages with customizable skins.
- Used Ajax to send or get minor data (XML) from server to generate reports.
- Set up and customize an e-commerce site using NopCommerce 3.20 - an open source MVC solution.
- Analyze code for system testing and debugging; create test scripts to find, isolate and correct issues.
Lead programmer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 11% of Lead Programmers are proficient in Java, JavaScript, and Python. They’re also known for soft skills such as Troubleshooting skills, Detail oriented, and Analytical skills.
We break down the percentage of Lead Programmers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Java, 11%
Design and implemented a Java based media platform that utilized bit torrent technology to deliver media.
- JavaScript, 5%
Developed three search interfaces that integrated with the GSA, primarily written with XSLT, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- Python, 5%
Developed, in Python, a Blender Exporter from geometry to OpenGL C++ source code.
- Web Services, 5%
Developed Web Services leveraging Cloud Framework.
- Database Design, 5%
Develop Entity-Relationship diagrams, Data Flow diagrams and participate in Database Design.
- Code Reviews, 5%
Code reviewing internal software development projects.
"java," "javascript," and "python" are among the most common skills that lead programmers use at work. You can find even more lead programmer responsibilities below, including:
Troubleshooting skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a lead programmer to have is troubleshooting skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "an important part of a programmer’s job is to check the code for errors and fix any they find." Lead programmers often use troubleshooting skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "maintained a custom built content management system (cms) adding new features and troubleshooting and fixing bugs. "
Detail oriented. Another essential skill to perform lead programmer duties is detail oriented. Lead programmers responsibilities require that "computer programmers must closely examine the code they write because a small mistake can affect the entire computer program." Lead programmers also use detail oriented in their role according to a real resume snippet: "developed new classes and supported existing programs with java object oriented programing. "
Analytical skills. This is an important skill for lead programmers to perform their duties. For an example of how lead programmer responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "computer programmers must understand complex instructions in order to create computer code." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a lead programmer: "used java netbeans to develop a framework for sending and receiving tooling data to and from client databases. ".
The three companies that hire the most lead programmers are:
- Wpp Us Holdings Inc6 lead programmers jobs
- Capgemini6 lead programmers jobs
- AmeriHealth Caritas3 lead programmers jobs
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Compare different lead programmers
Lead programmer vs. Software consultant
A software consultant is responsible for monitoring and maintaining the technological content and system applications of an organization, ensuring its efficiency and optimal performance. Software consultants design software systems, following clients' specifications and business needs. They must have excellent knowledge of the technology systems, programming languages, and system codes to create software processes and manage the network systems. A software consultant runs multiple diagnostic tests and creates troubleshooting reports for technical support reference.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a lead programmer are more likely to require skills like "javascript," "database design," "code reviews," and "debugging." On the other hand, a job as a software consultant requires skills like "database," "software development," "architecture," and "test scripts." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Software consultants earn the highest salaries when working in the health care industry, with an average yearly salary of $95,230. On the other hand, lead programmers are paid more in the pharmaceutical industry with an average salary of $116,947.The education levels that software consultants earn slightly differ from lead programmers. In particular, software consultants are 7.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a lead programmer. Additionally, they're 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Lead programmer vs. Software engineer lead
A Software Engineer Lead is focused on developing and testing software programs. They manage a team of software engineers that design enterprise software products and operating systems.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real lead programmer resumes. While lead programmer responsibilities can utilize skills like "database design," "version control," "sas," and "workstations," software engineers lead use skills like "software development," "aws," "spring boot," and "git."
On average, software engineers lead earn a higher salary than lead programmers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, software engineers lead earn the most pay in the automotive industry with an average salary of $125,218. Whereas lead programmers have higher pay in the pharmaceutical industry, with an average salary of $116,947.software engineers lead earn higher levels of education than lead programmers in general. They're 9.7% 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 lead programmers in the next 3-5 years?
Frank McCown Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Harding University
Lead programmer vs. Senior software development engineer
A senior software development engineer specializes in leading the efforts in designing and developing software and information systems, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities typically revolve around installing and repairing existing computer systems, conducting regular maintenance checks, troubleshooting, testing new designs, and performing research and analysis to identify the strengths and weaknesses of operations, improving them to achieve optimal performance. Furthermore, as a senior software development engineer, it is essential to monitor and encourage the team, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a lead programmer is likely to be skilled in "javascript," "database design," "user interface," and "version control," while a typical senior software development engineer is skilled in "software development," "git," "scrum," and "database."
Senior software development engineers make a very good living in the automotive industry with an average annual salary of $134,736. On the other hand, lead programmers are paid the highest salary in the pharmaceutical industry, with average annual pay of $116,947.When it comes to education, senior software development engineers tend to earn higher degree levels compared to lead programmers. In fact, they're 9.8% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.9% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Lead programmer vs. Senior software engineer
Senior software engineers are experienced employees who would usually take the lead in projects related to software development. They are in charge of determining the needs of the organization, checking whether there are feasible solutions to challenges, and creating plans for the development of a software solution. They provide a sound analysis of data collected during the testing phase of the software and address any problems during the software development phase. Once the software has been developed, they then ensure that it works well and that it addresses the needs and expectations of the users.
Types of lead programmer
Updated January 8, 2025
