Kiran Borge

Dec 25, 2024 • 4 min read

What do Software Developer do?

Software Developer

What do Software Developer do?

Software Developers are like builders of the digital world. We write the instructions that make computers, apps, and websites work.

The job involves a mix of coding, problem-solving, teamwork, and learning.

It’s a rewarding career where you get to see your work used by people all around the world!

1. Writing Code

  • The core of a software developer’s job is writing code. This is the set of instructions a computer follows to perform tasks. For example, if you’re using an app, behind it is code that tells the app what to do when you tap a button or scroll through a page. We usually write in programming languages like Python, JavaScript, Java, or C#, depending on what we’re building.

2. Debugging and Fixing Bugs

  • Sometimes, things don’t work as expected, and we get bugs — errors or problems in the software. When this happens, we need to debug, which means finding and fixing the mistakes. Debugging is like solving a puzzle: you try to figure out where the problem is and fix it so everything works smoothly.

3. Building and Maintaining Websites/Apps

  • Many software developers work on creating websites or mobile apps. If you use a website like Facebook or Instagram, there’s a team of developers who write code to make sure the site is working well, looks good, and is easy to use. After launching a website or app, we also spend a lot of time maintaining it — updating it, adding new features, and making sure it continues working as technology changes.

4. Writing Documentation

  • Developers need to document their code and projects. This is basically writing down instructions or notes about how the code works and how to use it. It helps other developers understand the code, especially if they need to make changes in the future. Think of it as writing a manual for your code.

5. Testing Software

  • Before software is released to the public, we spend time testing it. Testing helps ensure that everything works properly, and it also helps catch bugs early. There are different types of testing: unit testing (testing individual pieces of code), integration testing (testing how different parts of the system work together), and user testing (seeing how real users interact with the software).

6. Collaborating with Teams

  • A lot of the time, software developers don’t work alone. We work in teams with other developers, designers, product managers, and even marketing people. We need to communicate well to make sure we’re all building the right product. For example, designers tell us how the software should look, and we make it work technically.

7. Learning New Technologies

  • Technology changes fast, and as developers, we need to keep up with new tools and programming languages. We spend a lot of time learning new things, whether it’s attending workshops, reading books, or watching tutorials. This helps us stay sharp and build the best software we can.

8. Working on Databases

  • Software often needs to store data (like usernames, photos, or messages). Developers work with databases to manage and organize this data. We write code to make sure that data can be saved, retrieved, and updated correctly when needed. For example, when you log into an app, your account info is pulled from a database.

9. Security

  • Security is super important. As a developer, I need to make sure that the software I build is secure from things like hacking or data theft. We use things like encryption to protect sensitive information and write code that prevents people from exploiting weaknesses in the system.

10. Optimizing Software

  • Sometimes, software can be slow or use too much memory. As developers, we need to optimize it, making it faster and more efficient. This might involve reworking certain parts of the code or using special techniques to improve performance.

11. Working with APIs

  • APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) allow different software programs to talk to each other. As a developer, I often work with APIs to make my software interact with other services. For example, if an app shows weather data, it might be using an API to pull weather information from another service.

12. Version Control and Collaboration Tools

  • When working on a team, developers use version control systems like Git to keep track of code changes. This helps avoid mistakes, especially when multiple people are working on the same code. It also allows us to go back to an earlier version of the code if something breaks.

13. Developing Game Software

  • Some developers specialize in creating video games. This requires coding in special game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, and it involves working with things like graphics, animation, and player input to make the game fun and interactive.

14. Developing Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

  • Some developers work on AI or machine learning — this is where computers learn from data and make decisions on their own. It could be building software that recognizes pictures, understands voice commands, or even recommends products based on what you like.

15. Client Communication

  • Developers often need to work directly with clients or users to understand what they need. This could be through meetings, emails, or phone calls. Understanding the client’s needs helps ensure the software we build is exactly what they want.

Software developers are integral to the digital world. Their work involves not just writing code, but ensuring the software is functional, secure, and user-friendly. They must stay updated with evolving technologies and work closely with teams to create solutions that people use every day.


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