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What does a software programmer/analyst do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
Quoted expert
Frank McCown Ph.D.
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Software programmer/analyst responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real software programmer/analyst resumes:

  • Experience in managing and reviewing Hadoop log files and running Hadoop streaming jobs to process terabytes of xml format data.
  • Develop different VBA macro tools to automate reporting and assure information accuracy, overlapping avoidance and management control.
  • Develop web UI for several projects by utilizing HTML, JavaScript, CSS, and AJAX.
  • Create back end procedures using PL/SQL.
  • Customize Java software using PHP and JavaScript.
  • Design and programme transaction reports using PL/SQL.
  • Convert the HTML screens to JSP screens using struts framework.
  • Create custom CSS style sheets to support different web browsers.
  • Maintain all the diskless clients, servers, workstations and complete UNIX system.
  • Work extensively on team development projects using technologies base on PC, UNIX, RISC and VMS platforms.
  • Require knowledge and experience in logic and flow diagrams, testing and debugging, and an applications programming language.
  • Develop, test, and maintain online proprietary reservation software base on Java methodology used by hotels across the country.
  • Implement new designs, porting and styling legacy pages, integrating JQuery plugins, converting static forms into Ajax overlays.
  • Provide responsive browser validations using jQuery plugin.
  • Involve in debugging and troubleshooting relate to production and environment issues.

Software programmer/analyst skills and personality traits

We calculated that 9% of Software Programmer/Analysts are proficient in Java, SQL Server, and HTML. They’re also known for soft skills such as Problem-solving skills, Communication skills, and Creativity.

We break down the percentage of Software Programmer/Analysts that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Java, 9%

    Developed and implemented GUI Functionality for SSMA, CSMS modules using JSP, Struts, Java Script.

  • SQL Server, 7%

    Configured SQL Server application and file server; set up users permissions and roles; created images and unattended install files.

  • HTML, 6%

    Prepared client demos and quote preparation work for web based applications using ASP, and HTML.

  • JQuery, 6%

    Created of interface to manage user menu and Bulk update of Attributes using JS, EXTJS and JQUERY.

  • CSS, 5%

    Created custom CSS style sheets to support different web browsers.

  • API, 4%

    Used MVC 4 Razor as this client interface along windows azure cloud storage API.

Most software programmer/analysts use their skills in "java," "sql server," and "html" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential software programmer/analyst responsibilities here:

Problem-solving skills. The most essential soft skill for a software programmer/analyst to carry out their responsibilities is problem-solving skills. This skill is important for the role 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." Additionally, a software programmer/analyst resume shows how their duties depend on problem-solving skills: "task management system is an internal new innovative prototype project for creating bpm solution using business rule method. "

Communication skills. Many software programmer/analyst duties rely on communication skills. "developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project," so a software programmer/analyst will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways software programmer/analyst responsibilities rely on communication skills: "developed web services for order reception into our primary and for operations which involves intercommunication. "

Creativity. software programmer/analysts are also known for creativity, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to software programmer/analyst responsibilities, because "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software." A software programmer/analyst resume example shows how creativity is used in the workplace: "implemented and supported peoplesoft, jde xe (accounting & distribution/inventory), evaluated upgrade path to 8.10. "

Detail oriented. For certain software programmer/analyst responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "detail oriented." The day-to-day duties of a software programmer/analyst 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 software programmer/analysts do: "converted functional requirements into detailed scenarios and test cases. "

Analytical skills. A commonly-found skill in software programmer/analyst job descriptions, "analytical skills" is essential to what software programmer/analysts do. Software programmer/analyst responsibilities rely on this skill because "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs." You can also see how software programmer/analyst duties rely on analytical skills in this resume example: "code business logic using the j2ee coding standards with mysql as the backend database. "

See the full list of software programmer/analyst skills

The three companies that hire the most software programmer/analysts are:

Compare different software programmer/analysts

Software programmer/analyst vs. Analyst lead

The duties of an analyst lead depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around performing research and analysis, coordinating with different departments to gather leads and data, reviewing findings, and producing reports and presentations for the stakeholders and other higher-ranking officials. Through the results, an analyst lead can provide advice, devise strategies for business optimization, spearhead the development of processes, identify strengths and weaknesses, and offer recommendations on areas in need of improvement. All of this is done while in adherence to the company's vision and mission.

The annual salary of analyst leads is $22,986 higher than the average salary of software programmer/analysts.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both software programmer/analyst and analyst lead positions are skilled in java, sql server, and html.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between software programmer/analysts and analyst lead. For instance, software programmer/analyst responsibilities require skills such as "jquery," "css," "api," and "mvc." Whereas a analyst lead is skilled in "analytics," "data analysis," "project management," and "customer service." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Analyst leads tend to make the most money working in the finance industry, where they earn an average salary of $110,488. In contrast, software programmer/analysts make the biggest average salary, $78,885, in the technology industry.analyst leads tend to reach higher levels of education than software programmer/analysts. In fact, analyst leads are 8.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

Software programmer/analyst vs. Business analyst

Business analysts are employees who are responsible for interpreting business data and coming up with business solutions. They are well-versed in whatever business the company is in, and they have strong business acumen. They collect data related to the business and then interpret and analyze the data. Business analysts should be able to conduct different levels of analyses and must also be able to create a sound study. Once the analysis is done, they provide recommendations or strategic direction to decision-makers that will help the business become sustainable and grow.

A career as a business analyst brings a higher average salary when compared to the average annual salary of a software programmer/analyst. In fact, business analysts salary is $2,153 higher than the salary of software programmer/analysts per year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Software programmer/analysts and business analysts both require similar skills like "java," "sql server," and "html" to carry out their responsibilities.

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that software programmer/analyst responsibilities requires skills like "jquery," "css," "api," and "mvc." But a business analyst might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "project management," "data analysis," "business analysis," and "user stories."

Business analysts earn a higher average salary than software programmer/analysts. But business analysts earn the highest pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $91,354. Additionally, software programmer/analysts earn the highest salaries in the technology with average pay of $78,885 annually.business analysts earn higher levels of education than software programmer/analysts in general. They're 8.4% more 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 software programmer/analysts in the next 3-5 years?

Frank McCown Ph.D.Frank McCown Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Associate Professor, Harding University

Software continues to move to mobile devices and the web and away from desktop applications. The pandemic has encouraged growth in applications that make in-person transactions go away, and that trend will likely continue. Obviously AI-enabled or assisted applications will continue to grow.

Software programmer/analyst vs. Test analyst

The duties of a test analyst depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. In the information technology setting, a test analyst is responsible for testing computer software or hardware to ensure its quality before being released in the market. They participate in the development process to monitor the product specifications, review and analyze documentation, and create test systems, implementing them promptly and efficiently. As a test analyst, it is essential to produce progress reports, prepare presentations, and even give recommendations.

On average, test analysts earn lower salaries than software programmer/analysts, with a $1,281 difference per year.Using the responsibilities included on software programmer/analysts and test analysts resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "java," "sql server," and "html.rdquo;

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, software programmer/analysts are more likely to have skills like "jquery," "css," "api," and "mvc." But a test analyst is more likely to have skills like "test scripts," "test plan," "regression," and "test results."

Test analysts make a very good living in the finance industry with an average annual salary of $74,197. On the other hand, software programmer/analysts are paid the highest salary in the technology industry, with average annual pay of $78,885.When it comes to education, test analysts tend to earn higher degree levels compared to software programmer/analysts. In fact, they're 6.1% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 1.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Software programmer/analyst vs. Applications programmer

An application programmer is responsible for creating and designing computer systems and applications according to client specifications and business requirements. Application programmers run quality checks on the draft outputs to ensure its stability and efficiency for high-level performance. They also evaluate existing applications and recommend technical solutions to improve scalability. An application programmer must have excellent technical skills with a strong command of programming languages and system codes to determine the feasibility of applications and adjust features as needed.

Applications programmers average a higher salary than the annual salary of software programmer/analysts. The difference is about $12,855 per year.While their salaries may vary, software programmer/analysts and applications programmers both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "java," "sql server," and "html. "While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "api," "xml," "asp.net," and "architecture" are skills that commonly show up on software programmer/analyst resumes. On the other hand, applications programmers use skills like c #, database, javascript, and object oriented programming on their resumes.The finance industry tends to pay the highest salaries for applications programmers, with average annual pay of $99,211. Comparatively, the highest software programmer/analyst annual salary comes from the technology industry.In general, applications programmers hold similar degree levels compared to software programmer/analysts. Applications programmers are 4.0% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.7% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of software programmer/analyst

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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