In simple terms, a software developer is an IT professional who makes computer programs for various purposes, such as:
- editors of text, graphics, and visual content;
- data processing applications – spreadsheets, analytical systems;
- messengers, video conferencing platforms;
- drivers, utilities, archivers, antiviruses;
- operating systems, browsers, etc.
Duties depend on the area in which he works: creating corporate software, video games, programs for personal computers, etc.
Here’s a brief list of what a software developer usually does:
Thinks through the design, features and functions of the application.
Creates the interface (appearance) and adjusts the internal logic.
Writes code in one of the programming languages, such as C, C#, Python, or Java.
Tests the program at all stages of development, looks for and fixes bugs, and makes updates.
Prepares technical documentation for other specialists and users.
What the specialist must be able to do
Let’s tell you what any software developer must know and be able to do:
Know at least one programming language.
Understand OOP principles, algorithms and data structures.
An understanding of operating systems, network protocols and how to communicate over a network.
An understanding of what tools are available for testing and debugging code.
Read technical documentation.
The knowledge and skills of a particular specialist depend on which area of development he is involved in. Three specialties are distinguished.
- Creates the external (visible) part of the program with which the user has contact: text, images, buttons, input fields, etc. What a frontrunner should know:
Develop a dynamic, interactive interface by layout, for example, using and language .
Apply the principles of adaptive layout so that the application runs in all operating systems.
Understand the features , so that users are comfortable working in the program.
- is a specialist, who is responsible for the work of the internal (invisible) part of the application. He has the following skills:
Programs the backend of the program in one of the languages.
Works with the file system, search and sorting algorithms.
Configures integration with databases, writes queries to .
It provides network security and protects software from viruses and hacker attacks.
Full stack – a universal programmer who independently performs all stages of development, that is, creates both the client and the server side of the program. Such a specialist has the following skills:
Knows several languages (Javascript, Python, Java or others), popular libraries and frameworks.
Works in the version control system Git, uses Docker or Kubernetes to build and deploy the application.
Understands design patterns as well as agile methodologies (e.g. Agile).