What does a software programmer do?
A software programmer is an information technology expert who specializes in programming software and generating codes, ensuring quality and efficiency. In a company setting, they typically perform research and analysis to understand and identify the projects' needs, develop and implement test structures, troubleshoot and resolve issues, write technical instructions, and provide technical support to staff as needed. Most of the time, a software programmer works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth workflow.
Software programmer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real software programmer resumes:
- Lead projects on QA that include test planning, design, execution and closure.
- Hibernate is used to manage data access object between object orient java and relational database.
- Implement a centralize configuration system for managing application settings, consisting of a desktop application with a WCF backend.
- Develop style-sheets for UI design and layout using CSS.
- Develop MVC web application for an automation project using JavaEE and JSF.
- Develop JavaScript for dynamic user interface and browser compatibility tests.
- Involve in designing of GUI with CSS and development of middle tier.
- Play major role in designing & developing JSP pages and XML reports.
- Work on production tickets create by the user of the DB2 systems.
- Implement API's of native G3 ASAI protocol to capture the call details.
- Design the web pages with JSP and HTML elements base on the page specification document.
- Create a regression test that exercise all API's with both positive and negative tests.
- Develop console application which gathers data elements using LINQ to create XML files for export purposes.
- Leverage spring framework to perform communication between action classes and business methods in MVC framework type.
- Create structure COBOL programs to use DB2 files instead of flat files, or modify existing.
Software programmer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 9% of Software Programmers are proficient in Java, JavaScript, and Software Development. They’re also known for soft skills such as Concentration, Troubleshooting skills, and Analytical skills.
We break down the percentage of Software Programmers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Java, 9%
Completed programming assignments to design, develop and enhance web applications and gaming software using Java and client/server environments.
- JavaScript, 6%
Incorporated JavaScript for front-end validation of the user information.
- Software Development, 5%
Designed and developed a web-based time-card application for collecting and reporting software development metrics using Oracle/Java/HTML implementation.
- HTML, 5%
Involved in development of UI Pages using the HTML, Master Pages & ASP.NET Controls and ASP classic controls.
- Python, 5%
Developed a host application to receive data and do the classification of the data in real time using python.
- SQL Server, 5%
Implemented Role based Security using SQL Server Authentication.
Most software programmers use their skills in "java," "javascript," and "software development" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential software programmer responsibilities here:
Concentration. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a software programmer to have is concentration. Their role and responsibilities require that "programmers must focus their attention on their work as they write code or check existing code for errors." Software programmers often use concentration in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "added concentration game to the sweepstakes front-end using visual c++ 2010. "
Troubleshooting skills. Another essential skill to perform software programmer duties is troubleshooting skills. Software programmers responsibilities require that "an important part of a programmer’s job is to check the code for errors and fix any they find." Software programmers also use troubleshooting skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "provided primary technical support by detecting errors, troubleshooting, and resolving data or system anomalies. "
Analytical skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of software programmers is analytical skills. This skill is critical to many everyday software 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: "used c# to write a video service and integrated with other web services to transfer the xml data. "
Detail oriented. software programmer responsibilities often require "detail oriented." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "computer programmers must closely examine the code they write because a small mistake can affect the entire computer program." This resume example shows what software programmers do with detail oriented on a typical day: "hibernate is used to manage data access object between object oriented java and relational database. "
The three companies that hire the most software programmers are:
- Saalex Solutions8 software programmers jobs
- VIVA USA
4 software programmers jobs
- Integral Consulting3 software programmers jobs
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Compare different software programmers
Software 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.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a software programmer are more likely to require skills like "software development," "python," "database design," and "mvc." On the other hand, a job as an applications developer requires skills like "database," "application development," "regression," and "git." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Applications developers earn the highest salaries when working in the finance industry, with an average yearly salary of $103,905. On the other hand, software programmers are paid more in the technology industry with an average salary of $74,047.applications developers tend to reach similar levels of education than software programmers. In fact, applications developers are 2.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Software programmer vs. Programmer/analyst lead
A programmer analyst is responsible for monitoring database performance and software applications, performing basic troubleshooting, and improving program operations as needed. Programmer analysts' duties also include making adjustments on the system based on client's specifications, creating reports for any updates and new system procedures, designing specific technology solutions to improve the business operations, and performing necessary code adjustments. A programmer analyst must have extensive knowledge of computer systems and procedures, as well as critical-thinking skills to perform complex tasks under minimal supervision.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real software programmer resumes. While software programmer responsibilities can utilize skills like "software development," "python," "database design," and "web forms," programmer/analyst leads use skills like "c #," "project management," "data warehouse," and "sharepoint."
Programmer/analyst leads may earn a higher salary than software programmers, but programmer/analyst leads earn the most pay in the retail industry with an average salary of $110,090. On the other hand, software programmers receive higher pay in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $74,047.In general, programmer/analyst leads achieve lower levels of education than software programmers. They're 8.0% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for software programmers in the next 3-5 years?
Frank McCown Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Harding University
Software programmer vs. Contract software engineer
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 programmer resumes include skills like "database design," "web forms," "html css," and "front end," whereas a contract software engineer is more likely to list skills in "database," "http," "git," and "spring boot. "
Contract software engineers typically earn similar educational levels compared to software programmers. Specifically, they're 2.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 1.6% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Software programmer vs. Programmer analyst
Types of software programmer
Updated January 8, 2025
