What does a Software Developer do?
Published 4 min read
A software developer is responsible for developing computer programs and software applications. They may also be involved in the design, testing, and maintenance of software.
Software Developer job duties include:
- Actively participate in the software development cycle including the development of high-quality and stable software based on customer, business, and technical requirements.
- Engage with other software developers, business analysts, and software architects to contribute to the overall design and architecture of the software solution.
- Write code that meets standards and delivers desired functionality using the best-suited implementation approach.
- Perform unit testing of code changes to ensure that new code meets expectations with regard to functionality, performance, scalability, and security.
- Resolve defects identified during various testing cycles through root cause analysis and implementation of fixes.
- Understands how to integrate code changes into a common code base using established configuration management processes.
- Assist in troubleshooting issues with software applications in development, test, and production environments.
- Generate required documentation for assigned development tasks including detailed design specifications, unit test plans, etc.
- Adheres to all company policies and procedures related to software development including change control, release management, etc.
Software Developer Job Requirements
Most software developers have a bachelor’s degree in computer science and strong computer programming skills.
Education:
A bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field is typically required for most software developer positions. Employers also value practical experience, so internships or participation in cooperative engineering programs, where students work on real-world projects with industry partners, can be helpful.
Certification:
While not always required, certification can demonstrate a level of proficiency and commitment to the profession. The Certified Software Development Professional (CSDP) credential is offered by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Computer Society (IEEE-CS). To earn the CSDP, candidates must pass an exam that covers software development fundamentals, software lifecycle management, and software development process and tools. Candidates must also have at least three years of full-time professional work experience in software development.
Experience:
In addition to formal education and certification, employers value practical experience. Internships or participation in cooperative engineering programs, where students work on real-world projects with industry partners, can be helpful in getting a job as a software developer.
Software Developer Skills
- Problem solving
- Programming
- Debugging
- Systems analysis
- Software design
- Testing
- Implementation
- Maintenance
- Documentation
- Training
- Customer support
Related: Top Software Developer Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Software Developer
There are many ways to become a software developer. One way is to get a degree in computer science from a college or university. Another way is to learn how to code on your own.
If you want to become a software developer, you will need to have strong problem-solving skills and be able to think logically. You will also need to be able to write code that is easy for others to read and understand.
If you are not sure where to start, there are many resources available online and in libraries that can help you learn how to code. Once you have learned how to code, you can start looking for jobs as a software developer.
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