Depending on the employer, software engineer education degree requirements range from an associate’s degree to a master’s degree. An associate’s degree might be sufficient for some entry-level positions, but a bachelor’s degree is required for most software engineering jobs, while more complex jobs might require a master’s degree.
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Software Developer Snapshot | |
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National Average Salary: | $92,609 per year |
Commonly Required Skills: | Interpersonal, communication, problem-solving |
Requirements: | Bachelor’s degree |
What does a software developer do?
A software developer designs software or applications that allow users to perform specific tasks, such as building a spreadsheet, watching a movie or playing a game, on computers and mobile devices. While some software developers focus on creating specific software or applications, others focus on creating large networks or systems that manage the devices or control networks. Other duties and responsibilities of a software developer include:
- Assessing new and existing software systems
- Improving existing computer systems
- Performing maintenance to existing systems by identifying and correcting errors or defects
- Creating code for new software and updates
- Creating operational manuals and systems specifications
- Consulting with project managers or clients on the progress of developing software to review possible suggestions, improvements or requirements
- Submitting reports on the project’s progress
Average salary
Software developer salaries vary depending on years of experience, the complexity of the job and the size of the company. Developers who work in systems software earn more than those who work in applications.
- Common salary in the U.S.: $92,609 per year
- Some salaries range from $31,000 to $214,000 per year
Software developer requirements
The career path for software developers involves a combination of the following:
Education
Most software developers hold bachelor’s degrees in software engineering, computer science or a related field. Software developers who want to work in a specific industry usually have a minor relevant to the field. Many colleges and universities offer online degree programs in computer science, as well as traditional on-campus programs.
While companies usually prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree, an associate degree (a two-year degree program) can help individuals find entry-level jobs in the industry. Students in software development associate programs can learn skills in software design, cost-benefit analysis, product documentation and testing, integration and data migration, and core programming implementations.
Some software developers choose to complete boot camps to learn about specific coding languages, databases, design and frameworks. Boot camps typically last from one to six months and offer intensive training.
To qualify for leadership positions and specialize in a specific field, software developers can earn a master’s degree. With a master’s degree, developers can obtain management roles immediately following graduation and increase their earning potential.
Training
Technology companies usually require software developers to undergo training in various programming languages used in the industry. While software developers encounter many of these languages during their degree programs, attending training courses, seminars or online classes allows them to stay current with new developments. Companies may also perform on-the-job training that involves learning more about the specific product or service they offer and any procedures the developer should follow.
Certifications
While software developers do not have professional licensing requirements, they can get a certification to show their competence and commitment to their profession. Here are some of the most common certifications for this profession:
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Computer Society certifications: The IEEE CS offers three levels of software development certifications—Associate Software Developer, Professional Software Developer and Professional Software Engineering Master. To earn the Associate Software Develop certification, you should understand basic software principles and must pass an exam. For the Professional Software Developer certification, you need at least two years each of college education and professional experience in software development. You also need to pass an exam. For the Professional Software Engineering Master certification, you need four years each of college education and experience, and you must pass an exam.
- Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer certification: This certification demonstrates your ability to develop a variety of applications. To earn an MCSD, you must first have a Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate certification and pass an online exam. The exam will test your knowledge of various technologies, such as C#, HTML5, .Net and Visual Studio.
- MongoDB Certified Developer Associate: This certification shows your ability to build applications using MongoDB. To earn a MongoDB Certified Developer Associate certification, you’ll need to pass an online exam that evaluates your knowledge on fundamental database concepts and techniques specific to MongoDB.
Skills
Software developers need several skills and qualities to be successful, including:
- Problem-solving: Because software developers create software, they must be able to solve problems that occur during the development process.
- Interpersonal skills: While software developers spend most of their time working on code independently, they need to collaborate with other developers or programmers to effectively release a product to market. Strong interpersonal skills are necessary to work well with others.
- Detail-oriented: Because developers usually work on many parts of an application at the same time, they must pay attention to minute details to prevent an error from damaging the whole system.
- Communication: Developers must be good at providing clear instructions to team members. They must also be able to explain to clients how the software works and answer questions that arise.
- Analytical skills: This skill refers to the ability to gather and analyze information, solve problems and make effective decisions. It can help software developers design computer programs based on users’ needs.
Software developer work environment
Software developers usually work in an office setting, though many can work in a remote setting since they perform most duties on a computer. Most of them work at least 40 hours per week during regular business hours with some nights and weekends to meet deadlines or resolve unexpected technical issues. Because software development is a team endeavor, software developers work and interact with others regularly. They often sit for extended periods while working on a computer.
Many industries seek software developers, including:
- Education
- Information technology
- Government
- Healthcare
- Business and corporations
How to become a software developer
Here are the most common steps to follow in becoming a qualified software developer for a company:
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- Get a degree. Obtaining a formal education is the first step toward becoming a software developer. Students can choose from traditional and nontraditional training programs to get the education necessary to pursue entry-level positions. A bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field is typically the minimum degree that most companies prefer, but an associate degree could be an entry-level requirement. Some developers choose to undergo boot camps to learn software development in a short period.
- Gain relevant work experience. Completing an internship is the best way for students to gain real-world experience. Technology companies may offer internship programs for students who want to improve their skills in specific areas, such as SQL, XML or Java. Internships usually last for six months and allow students to work on specific products or projects related to their skills.
- Pursue a specialization. Software developers often specialize either in applications development or systems development. Application software developers design computer applications and modify existing applications to perform specific tasks. Systems software developers create operating systems for computers. Each specialization requires software developers to be knowledgeable in development software such as Java, C and C++.
- Pursue entry-level positions. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in computer science or related degree, the next step is to apply for entry-level positions. It can be helpful to review job descriptions for each position you apply for and tailor your resume to the requirements. Creating a customized resume and cover letter for each role may increase the chances of the recruiter reviewing all of your application materials and invites you to interview.
- Get certified. Since software development is precise and technical, getting certifications demonstrates an applicant’s knowledge and skills. Along with experience, certification can improve a developer’s marketability in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Developers can earn certifications from technology companies such as Oracle, Cisco and Microsoft as well as professional organizations such as the IEEE.
- Attend conferences. Conferences help software developers stay current with the latest developments in their specialty and the general profession. Attending conferences is a great way to network with other developers and learn about new technologies, business practices and products.
Software developer job description example
Our company is looking to hire an experienced software developer to help with the development of our current projects. Your primary duties include developing software by writing code, modifying the existing software to fix bugs, adapting it to new hardware, optimizing its performance and upgrading interfaces. You will also work with departments or clients on technical problems, including software system design and maintenance. To be successful in this position, you must have extensive knowledge of the software development life cycle, JavaScript and HTML. A bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering or related degree is required.
Related careers
Here’s a list of professions with job duties similar to those of software developers:
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Two programmers working on an IBM 704 at NACA, 1954
A computer programmer, sometimes called more recently a coder (especially in more informal contexts), is a person who creates computer software. The term computer programmer can refer to a specialist in one area of computers, or to a generalist who writes code for many kinds of software.
A programmer's most oft-used computer language (e.g., Assembly, COBOL, C, C++, C#, Java, Lisp, Python) may be prefixed to the term programmer. Some who work with web programming languages also prefix their titles with web.
A range of occupations that involve programming also often require a range of other, similar skills, for example: (software) developer, web developer, mobile applications developer, embedded firmware developer, software engineer, computer scientist, game programmer, game developer and software analyst. The use of the term programmer as applied to these positions is sometimes considered an insulting simplification or even derogatory.[1][2][3][4][5]
- 1History
- 2Nature of the work
- 3Globalization
History[edit]
Ada Lovelace is considered to be the first computer programmer by many.[6]
British countess and mathematician Ada Lovelace is often considered to be the first computer programmer, as she was the first to publish part of a program (specifically an algorithm) intended for implementation on Charles Babbage's analytical engine, in October 1842. The algorithm was used to calculate Bernoulli numbers.[7] Because Babbage's machine was never completed as a functioning standard in Lovelace's time, she unfortunately never had the opportunity to see the algorithm in action.
The first person to execute a program on a functioning, modern, electronic computer was the renowned computer scientistKonrad Zuse, in 1941.
Microsoft Software Developer Requirements
Betty Jennings and Fran Bilas, part of the first ENIAC programming team
The ENIAC programming team, consisting of Kay McNulty, Betty Jennings, Betty Snyder, Marlyn Wescoff, Fran Bilas and Ruth Lichterman were the first regularly working programmers.[8][9]International Programmers' Day is celebrated annually on 7 January.[10] In 2009, the government of Russia decreed a professional annual holiday known as Programmers' Day to be celebrated on 13 September (12 September in leap years). It had already been an unofficial holiday before that in many countries.
Software[edit]
The word software was used as early as 1953, but did not regularly appear in print until the 1960's.[11] Before this time, computers were programmed either by customers or the few commercial computer manufacturers of the time, such as UNIVAC and IBM. The first company founded to specifically provide software products and services was the Computer Usage Company, in 1955.[12]
The software industry expanded in the early 1960's, almost immediately after computers were first sold in mass-produced quantities. Universities, governments and businesses created a demand for software. Many of these programs were written in-house by full-time staff programmers; some were distributed freely between users of a particular machine for no charge. And others were developed on a commercial basis. Other firms, such as Computer Sciences Corporation (founded in 1959) also started to grow. The computer/hardware manufacturers soon started bundling operating systems, system software and programming environments with their machines.[citation needed]
The industry expanded greatly with the rise of the personal computer ('PC') in the mid-1970's, which brought computing to the average office worker. In the following years the PC also helped create a constantly-growing market for games, applications and utilities software. CP/M, later replaced by DOS, Microsoft's first operating system product, was the first popular operating system of the time.[13]
In the early years of the 21st century, another successful business model has arisen for hosted software, called software-as-a-service, or SaaS; this was at least the third time[citation needed] this model had been attempted. From the point of view of producers of some proprietary software, SaaS reduces the concerns about unauthorized copying, since it can only be accessed through the Web, and by definition, no client software is loaded onto the end user's PC.[citation needed] By 2014, the role of cloud developer had been defined; in this context, one definition of a 'developer' in general was published:[14]
Nature of the work[edit]
- Some of this section is from the Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006–07 Edition, which is in the public domain as a work of the United States Government.
Computer programmers write, test, debug, and maintain the detailed instructions, called computer programs, that computers must follow to perform their functions. Programmers also conceive, design, and test logical structures for solving problems by computer. Many technical innovations in programming — advanced computing technologies and sophisticated new languages and programming tools — have redefined the role of a programmer and elevated much of the programming work done today. Job titles and descriptions may vary, depending on the organization.
Programmers work in many settings, including corporate information technology ('IT') departments, big software companies, small service firms and government entities of all sizes. Many professional programmers also work for consulting companies at client sites as contractors. Licensing is not typically required to work as a programmer, although professional certifications are commonly held by programmers. Programming is widely considered a profession (although some[who?] authorities disagree on the grounds that only careers with legal licensing requirements count as a profession).
Programmers' work varies widely depending on the type of business for which they are writing programs. For example, the instructions involved in updating financial records are very different from those required to duplicate conditions on an aircraft for pilots training in a flight simulator. Simple programs can be written in a few hours, more complex ones may require more than a year of work, while others are never considered 'complete' but rather are continuously improved as long as they stay in use. In most cases, several programmers work together as a team under a senior programmer’s supervision.
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A software engineer writing JavaScript
Programmers write programs according to the specifications determined primarily by more senior programmers and by systems analysts. After the design process is complete, it is the job of the programmer to convert that design into a logical series of instructions that the computer can follow. The programmer codes these instructions in one of many programming languages. Different programming languages are used depending on the purpose of the program. COBOL, for example, is commonly used for business applications that typically run on mainframe and midrange computers, whereas Fortran is used in science and engineering. C++ is widely used for both scientific and business applications. Java, C#, VB and PHP are popular programming languages for Web and business applications. Programmers generally know more than one programming language and, because many languages are similar, they often can learn new languages relatively easily. In practice, programmers often are referred to by the language they know, e.g. as Java programmers, or by the type of function they perform or environment in which they work: for example, database programmers, mainframe programmers, or Web developers.
When making changes to the source code that programs are made up of, programmers need to make other programmers aware of the task that the routine is to perform. They do this by inserting comments in the source code so that others can understand the program more easily and by documenting their code. To save work, programmers often use libraries of basic code that can be modified or customized for a specific application. This approach yields more reliable and consistent programs and increases programmers' productivity by eliminating some routine steps.
Testing and debugging[edit]
Programmers test a program by running it and looking for bugs (errors). As they are identified, the programmer usually makes the appropriate corrections, then rechecks the program until an acceptably low level and severity of bugs remain. This process is called testing and debugging. These are important parts of every programmer's job. Programmers may continue to fix these problems throughout the life of a program. Updating, repairing, modifying, and expanding existing programs is sometimes called maintenance programming. Programmers may contribute to user guides and online help, or they may work with technical writers to do such work.
Application versus system programming[edit]
Computer programmers often are grouped into two broad types: application programmers and systems programmers. Application programmers write programs to handle a specific job, such as a program to track inventory within an organization. They also may revise existing packaged software or customize generic applications which are frequently purchased from independent software vendors. Systems programmers, in contrast, write programs to maintain and control computer systems software, such as operating systems and database management systems. These workers make changes in the instructions that determine how the network, workstations, and CPU of the system handle the various jobs they have been given and how they communicate with peripheral equipment such as printers and disk drives.
Qualifications and skills[edit]
A software developer needs to have deep technical expertise with certain aspects of computing. Some positions will require a degree in a relevant field such as computer science, information technology, engineering, programming, or any other IT related post graduate studies.[15] An ideal software developer is a self-motivated professional carrying a dynamic hands-on experience on key languages of programming such as C++, C#, PHP, Java, C, Javascript, VB, Python, Smalltalk.
According to developer Eric Sink, the differences between system design, software development, and programming are more apparent. Already in the current market place there can be found a segregation between programmers and developers, in that one who implements is not the same as the one who designs the class structure or hierarchy. Even more so that developers become software architects or systems architects, those who design the multi-leveled architecture or component interactions of a large software system.[16]
Types of software[edit]
Programmers in software development companies may work directly with experts from various fields to create software – either programs designed for specific clients or packaged software for general use – ranging from video games to educational software to programs for desktop publishing and financial planning. Programming of packaged software constitutes one of the most rapidly growing segments of the computer services industry. Some companies or organizations – even small ones – have set up their own IT team to ensure the design and development of in-house software to answer to very specific needs from their internal end-users, especially when existing software are not suitable or too expensive. This is for example the case in research laboratories.[citation needed]
In some organizations, particularly small ones, people commonly known as programmer analysts are responsible for both the systems analysis and the actual programming work. The transition from a mainframe environment to one that is based primarily on personal computers (PCs) has blurred the once rigid distinction between the programmer and the user. Increasingly, adept end users are taking over many of the tasks previously performed by programmers. For example, the growing use of packaged software, such as spreadsheet and database management software packages, allows users to write simple programs to access data and perform calculations.[citation needed]
In addition, the rise of the Internet has made web development a huge part of the programming field. Currently more software applications are web applications that can be used by anyone with a web browser.[citation needed] Examples of such applications include the Google search service, the Outlook.com e-mail service, and the Flickr photo-sharing service.
Intelligent AutoAutomatically identifies a scene’s characteristics and adjusts camera options such as aperture and shutter speed. Shot ModeChoose from Normal, Shot & Clear., Dynamic Tone (HDR)., Panorama., VR Panorama., Burst Shot., Beauty Shot, Dual Camera, Time Catch Shot., Intelligent Auto., Sports., and Night.
Programming editors, also known as source code editors, are text editors that are specifically designed for programmers or developers for writing the source code of an application or a program. Most of these editors include features useful for programmers, which may include color syntax highlighting, auto indentation, auto-complete, bracket matching, syntax check, and allows plug-ins. These features aid the users during coding, debugging and testing.[17]
Globalization[edit]
Market changes in the UK[edit]
According to BBC News, 17% of computer science students could not find work in their field 6 months after graduation in 2009 which was the highest rate of the university subjects surveyed while 0% of medical students were unemployed in the same survey.[18] The UK category system does, however, class such degrees as information technology and game design as 'computer science', industries in which jobs can be extremely difficult to find, somewhat inflating the actual figure.[19]
Market changes in the US[edit]
Computer programming, offshore outsourcing, and Foreign Worker Visas became a controversial topic after the crash of the dot-com bubble left many programmers without work or with lower wages. Programming was even mentioned in the 2004 US Presidential debate on the topic of offshore outsourcing.[20]
Large companies claim there is a skills shortage with regard to programming talent. However, US programmers and unions counter that large companies are exaggerating their case in order to obtain cheaper programmers from developing countries and avoid previously employer paid training using industry specific technologies not covered in most accredited degree programs.[21] Other reasons for employers claiming skill shortages is the result of their own cost saving combining of several disparate skill sets previously held by several specialized programmers into fewer generalized multifaceted positions that are unlikely to have enough 'qualified' candidates with the desired experience.[22]
Enrollment in computer-related degrees in US has dropped recently[when?] due to lack of general interests in science and mathematics and also out of an apparent fear that programming will be subject to the same pressures as manufacturing and agriculture careers.[23] This situation has resulted in confusion about whether the US economy is entering a 'post-information age' and the nature of US comparative advantages. Most academic institutions have an Institutional research office that keep past statistics of degrees conferred which show several dips and rises in Computer Science degrees over the past 30 years. The overall trend shows a slightly overall decline in growth (especially when compared to other STEM degree growth) since certain peaks of 1986, 1992, 2002, and 2008 showing periods of flat growth or even declines.[24] In addition the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook 2016-26 is -7% (a decline in their words) for Computer Programmers because Computer programming can be done from anywhere in the world, so companies sometimes hire programmers in countries where wages are lower.[25]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^'No Programmers'.
- ^'Developer versus programmer'.
- ^'Developers AND Programmers'.
- ^'Programmer vs. Developer vs. Software Engineer'. Archived from the original on 10 July 2018. Retrieved 21 April 2008.
- ^'Programmer vs. Developer vs. Software Engineer'.
- ^Fuegi, J.; Francis, J. (2003). 'Lovelace & Babbage and the creation of the 1843 'notes''. Annals of the History of Computing. 25 (4): 18–26. doi:10.1109/MAHC.2003.1253887.
- ^Fuegi, J.; Francis, J. (October–December 2003). 'Lovelace & babbage and the creation of the 1843 'notes''. IEEE Annals of the History of Computing. 25 (4): 16–26. doi:10.1109/MAHC.2003.1253887.
- ^'Memorials'. Eniacprogrammers.org. Retrieved 11 October 2018.
- ^'ABC News: First Computer Programmers Inspire Documentary'. Abcnews.go.com. 4 December 2007. Retrieved 3 October 2010.
- ^'International Programmers' Day'. Archived from the original on 3 January 2018. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
- ^Paul Niquette (1995). 'Softword: Provenance for the Word 'Software''. adapted from Sophisticated: The MagazineISBN1-58922-233-4
- ^Elmer C. Kubie (Summer 1994). 'Recollections of the first software company'. Annals of the History of Computing. 16 (2): 65–71. doi:10.1109/85.279238.
- ^Rebello, Kathy; Schwartz, Evan I.; Verity, John W.; Lewyn, Mark; Levine, Jonathan (28 February 1993). 'Is Microsoft Too Powerful?'. Businessweek Archives. Bloomberg Businessweek. Retrieved 26 September 2014.
- ^Hardiman, Nick (24 July 2014). 'A portrait of the modern cloud developer'. TechRepublic.
- ^'Software Engineer Skills and Responsibilities'.
- ^Eric Sink. 'Small ISVs: You need Developers, not Programmers'. Sourcegear. Retrieved 6 June 2008.
A programmer is someone who does nothing but code new features and (if you're lucky) fix bugs. They don't write specs. They don't write automated test cases. They don't help keep the automated build system up to date. They don't help customers work out tough problems. They don't help write documentation. They don't help with testing. They don't even read code. All they do is write new code.
- ^'BBC Bitesize - GCSE Computer Science - Programming software and the IDE - Revision 4'. www.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 16 September 2017.
- ^Shankleman, Martin (1 July 2010). ''One in 10' UK graduates jobless' – via www.bbc.co.uk.
- ^[1] ATAS classifications (University of Plymouth) Archived 18 May 2010 at the Wayback Machine
- ^'CPD: October 8, 2004 Debate Transcript'. www.debates.org. Retrieved 13 February 2017.
- ^[2] Migration Letters, Volume: 10, No: 2, pp. 211 – 228 ISSN1741-8984 & eISSN1741-8992
- ^'Purple Squirrels and the Reserve Army of the Unemployed' Paul Solman https://www.pbs.org/newshour/making-sense/purple-squirrels-and-the-reser/PBSAugust 15, 2012 accessdate = 2016-06-10
- ^Theresa Beaubouef and John Mason, Why the high attrition rate for computer science students: some thoughts and observations., ACM SIGCSE Bulletin, 2005
- ^'After the Dot-Com Bubble: Silicon Valley High-Tech Employment And Wages in 2001 and 2008'. www.bls.gov.
- ^'Computer Programmers : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics'. www.bls.gov.
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Further reading[edit]
Junior Software Developer Requirements
- Weinberg, Gerald M., The Psychology of Computer Programming, New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1971
- An experiential study of the nature of programming work: Lucas, Rob. 'Dreaming in Code'New Left Review 62, March–April 2010, pp. 125–132.
- Thompson, Clive (2019). Coders: The Making of a New Tribe and the Remaking of the World. Penguin Press. ISBN978-0735220560.
External links[edit]
Look up programmer or coder in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. |
- How to be a programmer - An overview of the challenges of being a programmer
- The US Department of Labor description of:
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Programmer&oldid=918755172'