what is a developer?
As a developer, you build or create software programmes and applications to run various devices. For instance, you develop the software used to control systems in a company. You also create the operating systems for various devices on the market. As a developer, you are well-versed in programming languages and proficient in structuring or developing code for a programme or software.
Depending on the software you develop or applications, you can become a software developer, web developer, mobile developer or application developer. Although the primary role of a developer is to write code, you gather requirements for developing the software programme to run on computers or mobile phones.
The roles you perform as a developer will depend on the company you work for. In a large company, a developer delegates computer instruction writing and coding to computer programmers and other junior developers. However, when you work in a small start-up, your role starts with conceptualising a software or mobile application and writing the code for the programme.
As a developer, you steer the software development process throughout the project cycle. That means you learn user requirements and devise plans to meet those needs. You delegate tasks to the team and verify that the programme or computer system works. You require exceptional technical skills and coding ability to understand computer programs and test their functionality.
Would working as a developer suit your technical skills and creativity? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a developer role.
find developer jobsaverage developer salary
According to ONS, the average salary of a developer is £45,000 per year. Entry-level developers earn as low as £20-£28,000 annually, while experienced workers take home as high as £65,000 yearly. The compensation package also varies based on the computer programmes or applications you develop. For instance, a software developer may earn lower or higher depending on the complexity of the software programmes they create.
how to increase the salary of a developer
As a developer, your compensation package depends on various factors. The main determinant is the area of specialisation. When you are a java or mobile developer, you earn a different salary than a web developer and software developer. Hence, changing your specialisation to high-demand areas improves your salary prospects.
The company you work for also influences your earnings. When you work for a large technology firm, the complexity of the tasks improves your earning prospects. A small start-up is likely to pay less but offers great opportunities for learning and improving your skills.
The location also affects your earnings. For instance, working in large cities like London improves earning prospects since the profession is in high demand. Working in smaller towns reduces your earning prospects.
types of developers
Some of the specialisations for developers include:
- mobile developer: as a mobile developer, your job is to create software for phones. Your role revolves around building apps for Android and iOS phones. You continuously improve applications and check for bugs.
- software developer: as a software developer, you are responsible for developing computer programmes and creating operating systems. You help your employer identify issues and challenges in the new programmes and resolve the issues.
- web developer: as a web developer, you design and create websites. You ensure the websites run smoothly by checking for bugs. The role requires programming languages like HTML and Javascript to develop a website's front and back ends.
- DevOps developer: as a DevOps developer, you come up with software development strategies to test and deploy technologies. The role requires a full understanding of the software development life cycle.
working as a developer
If you enjoy working with computers and are intrigued by software development processes and coding, check out the duties of a developer.
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developer job description
The tasks of developers revolve around software or application development cycles. Some of the duties and responsibilities of developers include the following:
- discussing business requirements with clients: as a developer, you attend meetings with clients to determine their requirements. Your job is to listen to the requirements to ensure you develop a programme or application that meets the client’s needs. You also meet with the development and project managers to discuss the project scope and create a budget.
- creating models and diagrams for new software: as a developer, you analyse the user requirements and develop models, diagrams and prototypes. The models you create show programmers the programming code required for the software or application.
- writing and implementing code: as a developer, you write the code of new software programmes from scratch. Before you deploy the code, you verify and test the software systems to ensure they meet the client’s needs. Sometimes, developing new codes requires in-depth research on the existing software systems and programmes before you develop the applications.
- analysing existing programmes and software: as a developer, you monitor the quality and performance of existing software programmes. If the applications require modification, you improve them. You also troubleshoot and debug code for software programmes.
- creating technical documents: as a developer, you document all work for future reference. You develop technical documents that explain the code and document all steps of development.
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work environment
As a developer, you work in an office setting and most days on the computer, writing and going through codes. Despite being a desk job, most companies have improved the work environments to boost creativity. Most have creative workspaces for developers who spend a long time in the office. As a developer, you work in interesting work environments from information technology to healthcare, government organisations and education. Developers also work remotely since most duties are completed on a computer.
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who are your colleagues?
Developers work with various professionals in the IT field and other departments in the organisation. You work alongside systems administrators, software engineers and data analysts. You also work with analysts and other professionals, including project managers, software developers and cyber security experts.
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work schedule
As a developer, you work the typical office hours of up to 40 hours a week. Aside from business hours, you work some nights and weekends to complete projects or resolve technical issues. The work schedule is flexible, and you can choose between full-time and part-time roles. Some jobs are on a contractual basis or a project basis. You can also work remotely as a developer.
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job outlook
Developers have exciting job outlooks and opportunities for career advancement. When you start as a junior developer, you improve your skills and experience to become a senior developer. Some developers specialise in specific areas like web, software or mobile applications development. Other developers improve their skills and become project managers.
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advantages of finding developer job through randstad
Finding your developer job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a developer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
While educational qualifications aren’t compulsory for developers, having the following credentials prepares you for the role:
- education: pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering and other related fields. The undergraduate course prepares you for the role, and you can learn programming and software design. Alternatively, learn programming languages to improve your knowledge in the role. A boot camp improves your coding skills since it offers intensive training in programming.
- work experience: you require extensive work experience to excel in the role. You can improve your skills through internships and entry-level jobs. With work experience, you will gain the necessary knowledge to work on complex projects.
developer skills and competencies
Some of the qualities of a developer include:
- problem-solving skills: as a developer, you create programmes and applications that may experience technical issues. You require problem-solving skills to identify bugs and other issues in the code. Your skills also help you resolve problems and fix any technical issues.
- detail-oriented skills: as a developer, you work on various parts of software systems or computer applications. If you are not keen, you are likely to miss the fine details. When you are attentive to details, you will identify every detail and prevent errors that could damage the entire system.
- analytical skills: as a developer, your job involves gathering and analysing information before creating applications that solve users’ problems. Your analytical skills help you design computer programmes that match users’ needs.
- communication skills: as a developer, you work with a team of programmers and other IT professionals. You require great communication skills to provide clear instructions. You should also explain to clients how the software solves their customers’ problems.
FAQs about working as a developer
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a developer.
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what is the main role of a developer?
As a developer, you create the code and applications to manage various business processes. Your job involves installing and maintaining software systems to ensure optimal performance. Developers form a key part of the IT team that modifies existing software products or develops new applications and software for computer programmes.
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how much does a developer job pay?
As a developer, your compensation package depends on your area of specialisation. While the average salary of a developer is £50,000 per year, some developers take home as low as £40,000 annually or as high as £75,000 yearly. Specialising in areas like software development earns you an average salary of £45,000 annually.
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which developer is in demand in the UK?
As a developer, your primary role is to create products or services for businesses. You use multiple programming languages to develop software for mobile phones and computers. You are also responsible for building and creating computer programmes or designing websites. Mobile developers, web developers and software developers are in high demand due to the increasingly digitised society. Knowledge in developing mobile applications improves your job prospects.
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what are the basic skills of a developer?
Developers require various skills ranging from technical to interpersonal qualities. For instance, you require creativity to develop ground-breaking computer programmes or mobile applications. Your creativity keeps your software applications at the top of the consumer market. You also require exceptional coding skills to develop unique features for mobile applications or computer programmes.
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do you require a degree to be a software developer?
While you don’t require a degree to become a software developer, having a bachelor’s degree in software development or web development prepares you for the role. Having a bachelor's degree helps one learn the programming languages required to develop computer software and mobile applications. Attending programming or coding boot camps helps you familiarise yourself with the programming languages required for the role.
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how do I apply for a developer vacancy?
Applying for a developer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
