What does a software developer do?
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.
Software developer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real software developer resumes:
- Restructure the project code in repository and use maven to manage project dependencies.
- Used JIRA to manage and track the issues report by QA and prioritize and take action base on the severity.
- Develop the front-end web page by using HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript, taking advantage of the frameworks Angular.JS.
- Lead team and develop UNIX administrative and maintenance development tasks, supporting customer requirements.
- Configure custom PL/SQL database to manage new database objects including triggers, user-define functions and store procedures.
- Implement a centralize configuration system for managing application settings, consisting of a desktop application with a WCF backend.
- Design and develop a web application using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript with emphasis on device portability and readability.
- Used HTML, CSS, and Java script to develop and implement a user-friendly UI design for the presentation layer.
- Perform peer code reviews using JIRA, analyze and merge pull requests using git, and used Jenkins for continuous integration.
- Experience in JavaScript frameworks like JQUERY.
- Used JavaScript extensively to enhance the UI and to make application looks more dynamic and to perform client side validations.
- Design, develop and test GUI and test code for MK54 torpedo hardware and software upgrades using C++ and LabWindows.
- Implement agile scrum methodology in application development.
- Develop and execute various database queries from python using Python-MySQL connector and MySQL database package.
- Used AngularJS to decouple DOM manipulation from application logic.
Software developer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 11% of Software Developers are proficient in Java, Python, and C++. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Creativity.
We break down the percentage of Software Developers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Java, 11%
Developed well structured, optimized and modular code in Java using NetBeans to meet operational requirements and standards.
- Python, 9%
Conceptualized and implemented Order Life-cycle Management, a system to assign and regulate order-states to the order-items using Python.
- C++, 7%
Developed a voice-over-internet distributed call processing system using a prototype version of C++ in their experimental distributed objects laboratory.
- Software Development, 6%
Performed requirements analysis, system design and specification, and led software development team to ensure resulting application met stated objectives.
- JavaScript, 5%
Implemented various Validation Controls for form validation and implemented custom validation controls with JavaScript validation controls.
- Database, 5%
Assisted in writing the specification documentation, designed the database schema, defined business objects and security practices.
Most software developers use their skills in "java," "python," and "c++" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential software developer responsibilities here:
Analytical skills. The most essential soft skill for a software developer to carry out their responsibilities is analytical skills. This skill is important for the role because "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs." Additionally, a software developer resume shows how their duties depend on analytical skills: "performed etl development utilizing scrum methodology for data transformation processes. "
Communication skills. Another essential skill to perform software developer duties is communication skills. Software developers responsibilities require that "developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project." Software developers also use communication skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "improved teamwork in a devops style, used scrum, improved php, and improved in project communication. "
Creativity. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of software developers is creativity. This skill is critical to many everyday software developer duties, as "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "architected and implemented php and java backend for order management and inventory feeds. "
Detail oriented. software developer responsibilities often require "detail oriented." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "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." This resume example shows what software developers do with detail oriented on a typical day: "developed conceptual and technical design including use of object-oriented techniques as a scrum master. "
Interpersonal skills. Another common skill required for software developer responsibilities is "interpersonal skills." This skill comes up in the duties of software developers all the time, as "software developers must be able to work well with others who contribute to designing, developing, and programming successful software." An excerpt from a real software developer resume shows how this skill is central to what a software developer does: "developed strong interpersonal and communication skills woking with a team of back end and front end website developers. "
Problem-solving skills. Lastly, "problem-solving skills" is an important element of what a software developer does. Software developer responsibilities require 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." This resume example highlights how software developer duties rely on this skill: "resolved assigned production issues using scrum / agile methodologies through each sprint. "
The three companies that hire the most software developers are:
- Oracle3,219 software developers jobs
- General Dynamics722 software developers jobs
- General Dynamics Mission Systems
598 software developers jobs
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Compare different software developers
Software 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 software developer are more likely to require skills like "python," "software development," "database," and "c # .net." On the other hand, a job as a mobile applications developer requires skills like "c #," "objective-c," "xcode," and "ios applications." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Mobile applications developers really shine in the pharmaceutical industry with an average salary of $107,574. Comparatively, software developers tend to make the most money in the finance industry with an average salary of $96,138.mobile applications developers tend to reach similar levels of education than software developers. In fact, mobile applications developers are 4.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Software 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.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real software developer resumes. While software developer responsibilities can utilize skills like "c++," "software development," "confluence," and "tcp ip," web application developers use skills like "windows," "http," "wordpress," and "content management system."
Web application developers may earn a lower salary than software developers, but web application developers earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $88,928. On the other hand, software developers receive higher pay in the finance industry, where they earn an average salary of $96,138.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Web application developers tend to reach similar levels of education than software developers. In fact, they're 3.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for software developers in the next 3-5 years?
Frank McCown Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Harding University
Software 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.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from software developer resumes include skills like "python," "software development," "confluence," and "tcp ip," whereas an applications developer is more likely to list skills in "sql server," "good communication," "power bi," and "post implementation. "
Applications developers earn the best pay in the finance industry, where they command an average salary of $103,905. Software developers earn the highest pay from the finance industry, with an average salary of $96,138.applications developers typically earn similar educational levels compared to software developers. Specifically, they're 1.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Software 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.
Types of software developer
Updated January 8, 2025
