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Who is a Developer?
A developer is an individual who builds and creates software and applications.
Generally, developers are well versed in at least one programming language and proficient in the art of structuring and developing software code or a program. Depending on the job role and type of software developed, there are numerous types of developers, such as software developers, application developers, mobile developers, web developers, etc.
Key Takeaways
- A developer designs, codes, tests, and maintains software.
- Developers are highly sought after, with job growth expected to increase by 25% from 2021 to 2031.
- The average salary for developers in the U.S. ranges from $84,000 to $139,000 in 2024.
- Developers are needed in many sectors, including banking, healthcare, entertainment, and e-commerce.
- Key skills include proficiency in programming languages, problem-solving, version control, database management, and communication.
What Does a Developer Do?
A developer has four main tasks:
Why Become a Developer?
A software developer is one of the most in-demand tech jobs in 2024. In fact, employment for software developers is expected to grow by 25% from 2021 to 2031.
The average salary range for the role ($84,000 – $139,000 in the U.S. in 2024) makes it an attractive choice for a future career in software.
Thanks to the wealth of knowledge on the Internet and via courses, software development is relatively easy to pick up.
A software developer generally gets to set their own hours, allowing a healthier work-life balance.
Software developers are needed in nearly every sector worldwide, from banking to healthcare, entertainment, e-commerce, and more. This gives you the freedom to choose whatever best suits you.
Key Skills for Developers
Key skills for developers include:
Software Developer vs. Software Engineer
These two terms are generally used interchangeably, but there are distinct differences across the two roles.
Here’s a breakdown of the similarities and distinctions.
A software developer:
- Focuses on creating software applications by writing and maintaining code
- The developer role focuses on handling design, coding, testing, and maintenance tasks
- Developers work closely with clients to understand their needs, often collaborating with designers and testers
- They use tools like GitHub, Visual Studio, and various IDEs and are skilled in languages such as Python, Java, and C++
- Their problem-solving approach is creative and iterative, aiming to meet user needs
- Developers usually have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field and may attend coding bootcamps
- Career paths can lead to senior roles or specializations in front-end or back-end development, eventually becoming software architects or lead developers
A software engineer:
- Designs and manages complex systems, applying engineering principles
- They ensure all parts of a system work together smoothly. Engineers solve problems systematically and analytically, focusing on robust and scalable systems
- They work in larger, cross-functional teams with project managers, product managers, and other engineers, often in leadership roles
- Engineers use tools like MATLAB, Simulink, and Jenkins in addition to developer tools
- They typically have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science or a related field, emphasizing engineering principles
- Career progression includes advancing to senior engineer, technical lead, or Chief Technology Officer (CTO) roles
8 Types of Developers
- Front-end developer: Codes and creates the visual front-end elements of a software, application, or website. Generally must convert website design files into raw HTML, JavaScript (JS), and/or CSS code.
- Back-end developer: Creates the logical back-end and core computational logic of a website, software, or information system. Generally has expert programming skills in C++, C#, Java and other high-level programming languages.
- Full-stack developer: Combines front-end and back-end skills to handle all parts of web development, from user interface (UI) to server logic.
- Mobile developer: Focused on developing software or systems for mobile devices. Uses languages such as Swift for iOS and Kotlin for Android.
- DevOps developer: Look for ways in which automation can make the software development lifecycle and operations management more efficient. Use tools like Jenkins and Docker.
- Game developer: Designs and builds video games using engines like Unity and Unreal Engine, and languages such as C++ and C#.
- Security developer: Focuses on identifying and fixing security issues, ensuring that applications and systems are secure.
- Web developer: Specializes in the development of applications relating to the World Wide Web (WWW) or distributed network applications. Typically run protocols like HTTP from a web server to a client browser using associated programming languages like HTML/CSS, C#, Ruby, and PHP. They often work closely with web hosting services to ensure that the applications they create are effectively deployed and maintained on the internet.
Developer vs. Programmer & Engineer
The Bottom Line
A developer definition is someone who builds and creates software applications by writing and maintaining code. They handle design, coding, testing, and maintenance tasks. They work closely with clients and often collaborate with designers and testers.
Developers use tools like GitHub, Visual Studio, and various IDEs, and are skilled in languages such as Python, Java, and C++. The career path for developers can lead to senior roles or specializations, eventually becoming software architects or lead developers.
Understanding the developer definition helps explain the skills and roles needed in the tech industry.
