Technology has affected the world to such an extent that it is still difficult to understand how all this happened in such a short time. All the apps, programs and games that we interact with on a daily basis have become an integral part of our lives. Consequently, software developers have also become a part of our lives thanks to their contribution to the development of technology. They are the driving force behind the apps in phones, the computer systems we use, and the games we play.
Who is a software developer?
A software developer is an expert in computer science and technology who is able to write software based on various requests from organizations or companies. They also create software to solve a specific problem and customized software for each profession. Below is a detailed description of what software developers actually do, what skill sets are needed to become a successful developer, what type of education is needed and how much they earn.
What kind of work does a software developer actually do?
The answer seems simple; software developers develop software. To put it that way, it turns out that this is one task. As with any work, there is more to it than its name. In fact, a typical software developer follows a detailed process when writing software. Let’s take a closer look at this process.
Research work
Before you can call yourself a software developer, you need to conduct extensive research. Programmers do this to see what people want and what problems exist. Identifying the problem may seem simple, but it’s a very difficult part of the process. In the end, Einstein said, “If I had an hour to solve a problem, I would spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and 5 minutes thinking about the solution.”
Systems development
After the research stage is completed, it’s time to find a solution, and in accordance with this solution, the design, development and testing of the software takes place. Software is developed by writing source code using a programming language. A programmer or developer usually writes the source code. The code contains instructions created by the developer for the computer.
Support Service
The work does not end after software development. Nothing works well without proper support. Thus, developers also need to make sure that the systems they have created function without problems. They need to keep up with maintenance and software updates.
Keep records
It is important for software developers to keep records. They need to document the systems or applications they have installed to make sure they have the right database. This makes it easier for them to maintain and fix any problems that may arise.
What types of software developers are there?
There are two main types of software developers. Developers of applications and operating systems.
Application Software Developers
Application software developers usually develop applications for users. These developed applications are suitable for computers, mobile phones and tablets. The type of applications depends on the demand that is being considered at the research stage. Application developers can work for individual users or companies.
Software developers for operating systems
Operating system software developers develop systems that help computers function properly. They are also developing a system interface that helps consumers interact with the computer. Examples of system software include; Android, Microsoft Windows GNU/Linux and macOS.
Why should you become a software developer?
Software development is one of the fastest growing industries. This is due to the fact that we live in an era when technology has reached its peak, and there are always companies or individuals who are looking for qualified developers and their services. But beyond that, there are several other reasons why the job of a software developer is attractive.
High salary
The average salary of a software developer in 2019 was $51.69 per hour. This means that you will be paid approximately $107,510 per year. That’s why software development is considered one of the highest paid specialties.
Education
You will only need a bachelor’s degree to become a software developer. But that’s not all, you can become a software developer even if you have another education in related fields.
Job prospects
By 2029, the demand for jobs for software developers will grow by 22%. Even if you don’t become a software developer, you will at least learn something about programming, and nowadays coding is a vital factor for a successful career.
What types of skills are needed?
At this point, software development probably sounds like a dream job. However, it is always important to remember that this also has its own specific set of skills.
Good skills
Computer literacy is an obvious skill required in software development. In addition, it is highly desirable to learn several programming languages. As a developer, you need to know programming languages such as; Java, Python, C, C++, Ruby and others. The best thing about work skills is that they are easy to master. Especially programming languages, since classes and courses are easy to find both online and through traditional face-to-face classes.
Soft skills
Soft skills are very important skills that you need to have in order to become a successful developer. Software developers are seen as people who spend most of their time in front of a computer with little to no interaction with others. However, such an idea of them does not necessarily correspond to reality. This is because software developers will constantly keep in touch with users and customers to understand what their requirements are. In addition, during maintenance, you will be in constant contact with people who may not be very technically savvy. That’s why skills such as communication, teamwork, willingness to learn and improve are important.
Indeed, software development is an exciting and attractive field. Being in demand for a job and constantly changing can make it irresistible to many and, perhaps, too dynamic. How you look at software development may depend on what you want out of the job. If you see a routine in your work, perhaps software development is not the right job. On the other hand, if you want to go against the routine, then maybe this is your chance in software development.
