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What does a web application developer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
Quoted expert
Dr. Phoebe McLaughlin
What does a web application developer do

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.

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Web application developer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real web application developer resumes:

  • Manage full-life cycle development of windows services and web-base applications.
  • Manage intranet updates while administering user access to corporate projects.
  • Manage, develop, integrate and implement relate applications components, including front-end development, server-side development and database integration.
  • Create and implement user interface solutions for complex web applications using JSP, PHP, JavaScript, CSS, and HTML.
  • Web-Base database application development responsibilities include database development, CGI script design and implementation and HTML data input/output page development.
  • Addressed mobile phone and tablet device compatibility with CSS3 media queries, AJAX, and HTML5.
  • Develop dynamic e-mails using JavaScript, and hand coding of HTML5, XHTML, and CSS3.
  • Develop python scripts in selenium IDE which include explicit waits, run parallel tests, UI mapping.
  • Conduct database development and design, front-end and UI / UX design, server-side scripting and back-end development for numerous clients.
  • Prepare UI prototypes for database applications.
  • Utilize advanced JavaScript and AJAX to provide elegant and interactive user experience.
  • Develop modular windows service for automate data parsing, cyclical updates, and database maintenance.
  • Set up and administer various Linux servers.
  • Develop python scripts for testing static content and dynamic elements.
  • Convert programming department to git for code management and revision control.

Web application developer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 8% of Web Application Developers are proficient in JavaScript, Web Application, and CSS. They’re also known for soft skills such as Concentration, Creativity, and Customer-service skills.

We break down the percentage of Web Application Developers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • JavaScript, 8%

    Created JavaScript error handling for required form fields based on browser specific functionality.

  • Web Application, 7%

    Developed web applications using scripted languages coupled with Intelligent Environment's proprietary software suite, Amazon Integrator.

  • CSS, 6%

    Created and applied new themes and custom templates by using Free Marker Templates, Custom CSS and Styles and Java Script.

  • HTML, 5%

    Web-based database application development responsibilities included database development, CGI script design and implementation and HTML data input/output page development.

  • Java, 4%

    Designed and developed web application using Domino, which is a development environment to develop Java web based applications.

  • Database, 4%

    Manage, develop, integrate and implement related applications components, including front-end development, server-side development and database integration.

Most web application developers use their skills in "javascript," "web application," and "css" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential web application developer responsibilities here:

Concentration. The most essential soft skill for a web application developer to carry out their responsibilities is concentration. This skill is important for the role because "web developers must sit at a computer and write detailed code for long periods." Additionally, a web application developer resume shows how their duties depend on concentration: "developed infopath forms with concentration on integration into sharepoint lists. "

Creativity. Many web application developer duties rely on creativity. "web developers often are involved in designing the appearance of a website and must make sure that it is appealing as well as functional.," so a web application developer will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways web application developer responsibilities rely on creativity: "develop web components using servlets, jsp, html, jquery and javascript for inventory kpi using rad 7.0. "

Customer-service skills. web application developers are also known for customer-service skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to web application developer responsibilities, because "webmasters have to respond politely and correctly to user questions and requests." A web application developer resume example shows how customer-service skills is used in the workplace: "created asp web applications to obtain vendor and customer information from company jd edwards's application. "

Detail oriented. web application developer responsibilities often require "detail oriented." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "web developers need to have an eye for detail, because a minor error in coding could cause an entire webpage to stop working." This resume example shows what web application developers do with detail oriented on a typical day: "designed and developed cms to manage the web application, such as: member's details, pricing details etc. "

Most common web application developer skills

The three companies that hire the most web application developers are:

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Compare different web application developers

Web 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.

We looked at the average web application developer salary and compared it with the wages of a java/j2ee developer. Generally speaking, java/j2ee developers are paid $5,155 higher than web application developers per year.Even though web application developers and java/j2ee developers are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require javascript, web application, and css in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a web application developer are more likely to require skills like "python," "application development," "web forms," and "php." On the other hand, a job as a java/j2ee developer requires skills like "mvc," "maven," "log4j," and "design patterns." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Java/j2ee developers tend to make the most money working in the finance industry, where they earn an average salary of $100,301. In contrast, web application developers make the biggest average salary, $88,928, in the finance industry.java/j2ee developers tend to reach similar levels of education than web application developers. In fact, java/j2ee developers are 2.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.5% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

Web 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.

On average, software developers earn a $1,681 higher salary than web application developers a year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both web application developers and software developers have skills such as "javascript," "web application," and "css. "

Each career also uses different skills, according to real web application developer resumes. While web application developer responsibilities can utilize skills like "windows," "http," "wordpress," and "content management system," software developers use skills like "c++," "software development," "confluence," and "tcp ip."

Software developers earn a higher average salary than web application developers. But software developers earn the highest pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $96,138. Additionally, web application developers earn the highest salaries in the finance with average pay of $88,928 annually.In general, software developers achieve similar levels of education than web application developers. They're 3.6% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.5% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for web application developers in the next 3-5 years?

Dr. Phoebe McLaughlin

Professor of Statistics & Mathematics Assistant Chair of Mathematics Programs Actuarial Science and Statistics Program Coordinator, University of Central Missouri

It seems like more employers will start looking away from expensive programs like SAS and transition towards free, open-source programs like R. The SOA is already starting to do this with their PA exam, we expect employers are going to follow.

Web application developer vs. Junior .net developer

The role of a junior .NET developer is to develop, improve, troubleshoot, and maintain computer software applications. You are expected to plan, design, and develop new feature functionality of a software application, and identify, debug, and troubleshoot defects. Additionally, you are responsible for configuring new and existing computer systems and offer user support. Other duties include coordinating with other software developers and professionals in the development of applications, creating user interfaces and client displays, and assisting in handling projects.

An average junior .net developer eans a higher salary compared to the average salary of web application developers. The difference in salaries amounts to junior .net developers earning a $1,713 higher average salary than web application developers.By looking over several web application developers and junior .net developers resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "javascript," "web application," and "css." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a web application developer is likely to be skilled in "database," "python," "git," and "api," while a typical junior .net developer is skilled in "sql server," "net core," "web api," and "architecture."

Junior .net developers earn the highest salary when working in the energy industry, where they receive an average salary of $99,490. Comparatively, web application developers have the highest earning potential in the finance industry, with an average salary of $88,928.junior .net developers typically earn similar educational levels compared to web application developers. Specifically, they're 4.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.5% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Web 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.

Net developers typically earn higher pay than web application developers. On average, net developers earn a $3,144 higher salary per year.While both web application developers and net developers complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like javascript, web application, and css, the two careers vary in some skills.

Even though a few skill sets overlap between web application developers and net developers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a web application developer might have more use for skills like "python," "git," "api," and "php." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of net developers require skills like "sql server," "net framework," "xml web," and "architecture. "

Net developers enjoy the best pay in the retail industry, with an average salary of $94,650. For comparison, web application developers earn the highest salary in the finance industry.In general, net developers hold similar degree levels compared to web application developers. Net developers are 2.7% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.5% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of web application developer

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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