Currently, in the US, the job outlook for software developers is expected to grow by 22% between now and 2030. That’s a much higher rate than average compared to other careers. So, we know that the demand for software services is at a high, but what services does a software developer actually provide?
Are you trying to decide if you should hire a software developer? Or are you considering it as a career? Either way, it’s helpful to know what services they provide to their customers.
Read on to learn more about what a software developer does.
Custom Software Development
Primarily, software developers create custom software solutions for their customers. They’ll work with their clients to determine the underlying need for the software. They do this by figuring out the company’s goals and the most important features the software should include.
From there, they’ll start to actually develop the software so that it meets the client’s needs.
Many times, the specifics of software development services vary depending on the industry. For example, a software developer that specializes in financial software may need different knowledge than a developer who creates marketing software.
Testing and QA
Developing software is often a complicated process with many different layers. If developers don’t constantly test what they’re making, that could lead to future problems down the line that become hard to solve.
Part of the testing process is also quality assurance (QA). This type of testing is more about making sure the software functions correctly and will give customers their desired results. During the QA process, developers will also use feedback to make updates for better functionality.
Ongoing Maintenance
Because software is so detailed and technology is constantly changing, developers are also responsible for ongoing maintenance. Sometimes, this is in the form of client requests for new features. But, it can also include identifying new bugs and implementing fixes. Developers will also notice potential problems and put in fixes before the software has a chance to break.
This will go on for the life of the software, as there are always new things to consider and fix.
App Creation
In our increasingly mobile world, there’s never been a bigger need for apps, so we can access anything we need while on the go. Some software developers also create apps for their customers. Similar to the software development process, app development also requires plenty of testing and ongoing maintenance.
Many times, developers will also build custom APIs to help bring new functionality to the things they create for their customers.
Learning More About Software Developers
Thanks for reading through this short guide! Now, you should have a better idea of what software developers do as they provide critical services to their customers.
