Software Developers are not only coding experts but also creative minds behind software development. They are involved in the entire software development process: from concept to maintenance, where they often specialize in certain programming languages or sectors such as .NET, Java, or Python.
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
What is software development?
Software development is the process that programmers use to build computer programs. The process consists of creating, designing, implementing and supporting the software. Also called the Software Development Life Cycle. It is an effective way to build software within a given timeline and budget.
The software itself is a set of instructions or programs that tell a computer what to do. We distinguish between system software, programming software, application software and embedded software. Read more about what exactly software development is here .
Software development is mainly carried out by programmers, software engineers and software developers . Another common position within software development is that of a software tester . System administrators and/or application managers are often responsible for the maintenance of the software.
MEANING
What is a Software Developer?
A Software Developer - also called a software developer - invents, creates and builds programs on which websites, devices and machines run. He or she is involved in the entire software development process, from creating to supporting the software, but is mainly concerned with writing code.
The term 'software developer' is quite broad and you often see that a software developer has specialized in a particular language or application. Consider specializations such as:
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.NET Developer
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Java Developer
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Frontend Developer
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Backend Developer
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Full Stack Developer
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DevOps Engineer
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Cloud Engineer
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Mendix Developer
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Python Developer
The functions of software developer, software engineer and programmer are often used interchangeably and also have many similarities. However, there are differences between all three.
For example, a programmer often only focuses on writing code. A software developer also writes code, but is also involved in the software development process. The position of a software engineer goes one step further. They also have contact with clients, prepare documentation and devise solutions for various IT problems.
TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
What does a Software Developer do?
In addition to writing the code, a Software Developer is also responsible for the design, implementation and testing of the software. He or she ensures that the software works properly and that it continues to work properly. You are also responsible for adapting and/or expanding existing software. As a Software Developer you often work together with other developers in a development team.
The tasks and responsibilities of a Software Developer vary per organization and per position. The tasks of a back-end developer will look different than a front-end developer. But the most common tasks of a Software Developer are:
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Analyzing the customer's wishes, needs and requirements
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Designing the software
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Writing code
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Implementing the software
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Testing software, identifying bottlenecks and bugs
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Presenting the completed work
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Writing user manuals and other accompanying documentation
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Further developing, monitoring, updating and maintaining the software
JOB REQUIREMENTS
What do you need to be able to do in this position?
As a Software Developer, it is important that you can work well together, since you always work in a development team. In addition, you must also be able to work independently, for example to write code or get stuck into other issues. It is also important that you work accurately and structured and always keep your knowledge up to date. Developments within software development follow each other at breakneck speed.
To get started as a junior Software Developer, it is important that you have gained one or two years of relevant work experience, for example during an internship or IT traineeship . A senior Software Developer often has at least five years of relevant work experience. A senior role often also comes with managerial tasks. At this point you may also consider moving into the role of IT manager or IT project manager .