What are Software Developers
Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.
Wage and Employer Trends
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Common Job Titles
Film Developer
Full Stack Developer
Platform Builder
Application Engineer
Algorithm Developer
Property Developer
Site Reliability Engineer
IT Development Specialist
RFID Developer (Radio Frequency Identification Device Developer)
Mobile Device Engineer
Solar Applications Development Engineer
Virtual Reality Specialist
Personality & Work Styles
Attention to Detail
Innovation
Dependability
Intellectual Curiosity
Achievement Orientation
Adaptability
Integrity
Perseverance
Cautiousness
Tolerance for Ambiguity
Work Activities
Working with Computers
Processing Information
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Thinking Creatively
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Analyzing Data or Information
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Getting Information
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Work Environment
Spend Time Sitting
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
E-Mail
Freedom to Make Decisions
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
Contact With Others
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
Time Pressure
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
Skills You Will Receive
Critical Thinking
Active Learning
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Writing
Speaking
Monitoring
Mathematics
Learning Strategies
Science
Other Attributes Important To Know
Oral Comprehension
Written Comprehension
Oral Expression
Written Expression
Fluency of Ideas
Originality
Problem Sensitivity
Deductive Reasoning
Inductive Reasoning
Information Ordering
Related Careers
Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
Computer Systems Analysts
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer Programmers
Database Administrators
Database Architects
Computer Hardware Engineers
Computer Network Architects
Technology/Tools Used
Word processing software
Development environment software
Object or component oriented development software
Data base user interface and query software
Document management software
Video creation and editing software
Graphics or photo imaging software
Web page creation and editing software
Web platform development software
Desktop publishing software
Work Values
This information is not currently available for this career.
Knowledge You Will Receive
Administration and Management
Administrative
Economics and Accounting
Sales and Marketing
Customer and Personal Service
Personnel and Human Resources
Production and Processing
Food Production
Computers and Electronics
Engineering and Technology
Education Requirements
Bachelor's degree
Job Zone 4
Tasks Associated with This Career
Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.
Develop or direct software system testing or validation procedures, programming, or documentation.
Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design systems and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces.
Modify existing software to correct errors, adapt it to new hardware, or upgrade interfaces and improve performance.
Prepare reports or correspondence concerning project specifications, activities, or status.
Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan installation of a new system or modification of an existing system.
Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.
Design, develop and modify software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcomes and consequences of design.
Determine system performance standards.
Consult with customers or other departments on project status, proposals, or technical issues, such as software system design or maintenance.