What does a software developer do?

Code Institute’s goal is to close the Software Development skills gap within the tech industry. We are fully aware of what’s on offer out there, and as a result of our research, we reckon that there has never been a better time for career changing and to learn to code. But, what does a software developer do?

Wikipedia describes a software developer as “a person concerned with facets of the software development process, including the research, design, programming, and testing of computer software.”

What does a software developer do?

So, what does a software developer do? Well, these are the people that design the computer programs and operating systems for many of the things that we do and use each and every day. These are the people who design and create the computer games we play, the websites we visit, and the apps we order dinner from. A developer will talk to the stakeholders (customers, businesses, etc.) and identify problems and wants. A developer will try to understand the problem. Solve the problem. And model a solution. Then, after approval, they will build lines of code to solve these issues. Beyond that, a coder will design the front end look and feel of that product, while the same coder, or one who’s stronger at the back end stuff, will create the behind-the-scenes back end.

To be honest, though, this is simplifying things. Above, I answered generally what a software developer does. However, if you were to ask what a coder CAN DO, well, then the possibilities are limitless. However, it all depends on how much a developer is willing to put into themselves.

Potentially, what CAN a software developer do?

If you’re a coder, and if you open your potential, there’s so much more you can do. Trust me. This list is endless! Coders write the lines necessary for the tech inside many of the cars we drive. They write code that enables the design of autonomous driving to become a reality. Their expertise creates the code that is behind Artificial Intelligence. It’s their insights that produce the lines of code that help build the capabilities of the medical equipment. It’s lines of code that enable us to be entertained in new and exciting ways.

To put it frankly, technology is pretty much everywhere you look. It’s unavoidable, and most items around us today require lines and lines of code. Like it or not, the internet runs a lot of what goes on around us. It now connects our infrastructures. This is where the concept of IoT comes in.

IoT? Internet of Things.

This is the concept where everything around us is connected. To use an anecdote from one of my colleagues, IoT is where you get out of bed when the alarm sounds. The alarm sends a message to your shower and turns it on. When you switch the off button on the shower, a message is sent to your coffee machine downstairs. You get downstairs, and your Americano is ready. You finish your coffee and put it back on the plate. A message goes to your car, where it then starts air conditioning itself. This sends another message to your garage door. The door opens. You drive out. The GPS sends a message to your garage door. It closes. Your car, which knows your going to work, takes you there…. and on it goes.

In today’s world, the roles that I have included above do not even come close to the tip of the iceberg. In a nutshell, people who code are told what’s needed and create a usable solution. Coders are in a position to contribute to making our day-to-day lives more efficient. This may scare some people because sometimes that means further automation within industries.

However, this is not a new thing. Roles change with time. As some roles become obsolete, people find new roles to enhance the world around us. People adapt, improve, and contribute more.

Yes, the potential for people who know how to code is huge. If a coder has flair and vision, what they can contribute is awesome. So, what does a software developer do? Plenty, but with the right amount of imagination, these coders can do so much more.

What does a software developer do? Sample it here by registering for our 5 Day Coding Challenge through the form below.