what is a software developer?
Software developers create computer programs and applications. Your job is to build the programs from scratch or oversee the team creating the apps. Software programs help users perform specific tasks on various gadgets like computers and mobile phones.
As a software developer, you can create applications or operating systems used in computers and electronic gadgets. You collaborate with computer engineers and programmers to develop complex and functional systems that meet customers' needs or help a company improve efficiency. Your job doesn't end in development; you test and install the software to ensure it works correctly.
what does a software developer do?
As a software developer, you maintain and update software applications to fix bugs and improve their functionality. That means you monitor the performance and find creative ways to add new features. For instance, the security systems should be up-to-date and have the latest security features. The software application should also be compatible with new operating systems.
Becoming a successful software developer requires strong coding skills and creativity. Skills in design help you translate user needs into an interactive application with an appealing layout and theme. Your technical lead aptitude also assists in figuring out how the components of a system can work together.
Would working as a software developer suit your creativity? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a software developer role.
software developer rolesaverage software developer salary
According to Job Bank, a software developer earns an average salary of $105,461 per year. Entry-level positions begin with a salary of $77,538 annually, while experienced software developers earn over $156,747 yearly.
how to increase your salary as a software developer
The salary of a software developer varies based on experience and educational qualifications. When you are new to the role, the salary is lower but increases gradually with experience and skills. The salaries vary by location. For example, regions like British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba have lower salaries for software developers, whereas working in Quebec, Nova Scotia and Ontario improves your salary expectations due to the high demand for quality software developers.
The industry you work in also influences your earnings. Working in technology companies increases your salary, but some industries also pay favourable salaries. For instance, software developers working in manufacturing industries earn more due to the additional expertise required to work in the technical field. Your area of specialization also influences your earnings. A system developer earns more than a web and app developer.
types of software developer
Software developers can specialize in the following roles:
- web developer: your job involves building websites and applications based on clients' needs. You work on the sites' visual elements, like the layouts and themes, to make them appealing to clients. You also control the databases and code the back end.
- system developer: you are responsible for building operating system software for various programs. You also create systems for regulating and operating computer infrastructure. Embedded system software developers create programming codes on hardware devices like washing machines, fridges and televisions.
- app developers: your job is to write codes for video games or mobile applications. You build the user interface and perform various functions on mobile devices. Video game and mobile developers are app software developers.
working as a software developer
Software developers build applications and software programs for companies. If this sounds exciting, discover the duties and responsibilities of software developers.
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what does a software developer do?
Specific tasks depend on the project or industry, but the common duties include:
- discussing software requirements with clients: as a software developer, you meet with clients to determine their software needs. Some clients know the features they want in their software, while others provide the general purpose of the software. Hence, you research the target users and identify features to incorporate into the software.
- planning and designing the software: when you have a picture of the client's needs, you develop a plan that guides the design. You list the steps necessary for building the software and create a timeline from start to finish. During planning, you identify the programming languages to use and start coding the software.
- upgrading current applications: when you are not building new software, you test existing applications. You adjust the functions and find creative ways to boost software performance. Sometimes the upgrades involve optimizing the software to enhance speed and improve integration with the latest technologies.
- testing applications and performing quality checks: new software should undergo testing before introduction to the market. As a software developer, you complete functional and non-functional testing. In functional testing, you determine if the software functions properly. If a customer clicks a link, it should take them to the correct destination. Non-functional testing ensures the website or application meets the user's standards in terms of speed and compatibility with different devices.
- recording the software development process: it is crucial to document the development process. It helps future maintenance teams identify portions of the code that need improvement and speeds up the identification of bugs and errors.
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work environment of a software developer
Software developers work in IT and tech, from large corporations to small start-ups in finance, technology and manufacturing. You work in an office setting and accomplish most of the work on a computer. Since you spend many hours in the office, employers provide cozy offices with functional brainstorming sessions or private coding spaces. The work environment is also well-lit and air-conditioned. Some software developers work remotely from their home offices or library.
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who are your colleagues?
As a software developer, you collaborate with various professionals to develop software programs. You are likely to work with software engineers, business systems analysts and information technology consultants. As a software developer, you rely on information from various professionals to determine user requirements. That means you may collaborate with HR managers, customer service representatives and developers. You are also likely to work with administrative assistants and accounting technicians to determine the features they require for their software programs.
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software developer work schedule
As a software developer, your work schedule varies depending on the project. Minor projects are not time-consuming; you can complete them by working the regular office hours from 9 am to 5 pm for 40 hours a week. However, complex projects take a lot of time, and sometimes, you work over 50 hours a week, including weekends and evenings. Most software developers work full-time positions, but part-time jobs are available. Short-term contracts and freelance opportunities are also available for software developers who enjoy flexible working hours. Your job involves travelling to meet clients and overseas travel if you work for a multinational company.
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career opportunities as a software developer
As a software developer, you have exciting opportunities for career development. When you start in a junior position, you can improve your skills and become a senior software developer in charge of your team. Some software developers migrate to related careers like system design, business system analysis or IT architecture. Alternatively, specialize in one of the branches of software development like mobile, web or video game development. Software development also provides opportunities for self-employment for those with adequate experience.
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advantages of finding a job as a software developer through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
software developer skills and education
Some of the educational requirements for becoming a software developer include:
- education: to work as a software developer, complete a college program in computer science or a related field. Alternatively, pursue a bachelor's degree in computer science or software engineering to acquire the necessary technical skills.
- work experience: you require extensive experience, especially in programming, to work as a software developer. Gain experience through internships and entry-level positions.
competencies and characteristics of software developers
Some of the skills of a software developer include:
- analytical skills: as a software developer, you evaluate users' needs when determining the software requirements. Analytical skills help you separate useful features and analyze the software's functionality. The skills also come in handy during testing.
- communication skills: as a software developer, communication skills are crucial for giving clear instructions to the development team and explaining problems that arise. Communication skills also help you explain complex features to clients and investors without using technical terms.
- creativity: a software developer should be innovative to design visually appealing platforms. Creative skills help you find unique ways to design software or improve the functions of an application.
- detail-oriented: as a software developer, you handle various software components. If you are not detail-oriented, your application will have many errors, slowing the development process. Attention to detail also helps you identify bugs and errors during maintenance or testing.
FAQs about software developer jobs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a software developer.
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what are the tasks of a software developer?
As a software developer, you design software programs for companies and help them implement and manage them. You identify user requirements and determine the features to add to the software programs. After the design stage, you implement the programs and evaluate their performance. You also check for areas that require modification in existing programs and test the performance of the new systems.
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what skills are required for a software developer?
As a software developer, you require technical skills to handle the design requirements. For instance, you require exceptional programming skills to design and implement software programs. You also need soft skills like communication and teamwork to collaborate well with others.
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do you need a degree to be a software developer?
In Canada, a degree or college program is mandatory to work as a software developer. Degree courses in computer science equip you with the necessary skills for becoming a software developer. You can also boost your skills by improving your knowledge of programming.
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what is the difference between a software developer and a software engineer?
As a software developer, you design computer systems or specific programs to perform various functions. You work on application software and find new modifications. A software engineer works on a large scale to create entire computer systems and application software. Hence software engineering is a subset of software development.
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what are the earnings of a software developer?
The salary of a software developer in Canada depends on experience and qualifications. When you are new to the role, you start with a salary of as low as $77,538 per year. Earnings increase with experience, and the highest-paid software developers earn over $156,747 annually.
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how do I find a job as a software developer?
Finding a job near you as a software developer is easy. Search our job offers. Have you found what you're looking for? Then submit your application using the ‘Apply’ button top right on the page. No jobs available right now? Send us your resume and we'll pass it on to a recruiter who will contact you if an opportunity opens up for you.
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