What Do Software Developers Do?

The word software has been around since the 1960s, but many people are still not sure what it means to say that someone is a software developer. Software developers create applications, computer programs, video games, robots, and anything else that runs on code. Learning to code is simply being able to communicate with the computer, and software developers use excellent communication skills to create cutting edge games, programs, and more.

In short, software developers design the code that makes these programs run. Their reach in our world today is expansive, and the work they do is only limited by their imaginations. Software developers need creativity and patience in problem-solving in order to do their job well. An analytical mind is also a must. Developers must also utilize teamwork to design the project and see it through to completion.

This combination of the computer and science skills needed to communicate with computers plus the ability to work well with others and build something from the ground up, takes a very special personality. Developers must have a vision, as well as the tenacity and knowledge to turn the vision into reality.

There is definitely room for advancement in this field. The best software developers often go on to be information technology project managers, overseeing other developers and programmers as they work toward a common goal.

How to Get into Software Development?

If this sounds like the job for you, there are a few keys to help you be successful while breaking into the software development field.

Although it is true that many software developers have a Bachelor of Science degree, a college degree is not a requirement. But for overall marketability, having a degree does afford you many options that you may not find otherwise. Most people have a computer science or software engineering degree as they enter this field.

Whether or not you have a degree, doing your homework is a great first step. Start by learning a software engineering language. Some good ones to learn are Python, Java, and Ruby. No matter what you want to do, you need to be able to speak the language. Understanding Java or Python will give you the tools you need to get started.

Once you learn the software coding language, take some time to practice on your own. Along with your practice time, study code that other software engineers have written. This is a great way to learn the intricacies of coding. There are online coding communities, or you can find a mentor to assist you with questions.

Finally, creating your own projects will give you something to use as a resume builder. Even if you are only doing the projects for yourself, apps, or games you create can highlight your knowledge and skills to potential employers and show them that you are tenacious. Since good developers need a combination of hard and soft skills, showing your willingness to work hard will help your cause.

Billing for Software Development

There is no universal billing system for software development; billing strategies vary from company to company. The best companies are fluid with their communication and their billing, knowing that software development projects often take on a life of their own.

Billing by the hour is a typical way for software developers to charge. One hour worked is one hour paid. But for developers who are skilled and fast, they are actually losing money in this process. New developers who need more time are actually paid more for the same job because it takes them longer to complete.

Billing by project is more cost-effective for those who know their way around code. When billing by project, the developer and the company sit down and work through the process of what needs to be done and what intricacies are expected. No one wants to be nickeled and dimed after the fact, so setting up the whole project at the outset will lead to happier clients.

Another way to bill for software development is to charge by the week or month. This would be good for clients and developers who had a steady amount of work and want to keep the developer on retainer.

The world of software development is only getting more lucrative and important. Now is a great time to hone your coding skills and jump into the mix. With great communication skills and hard work, creating the next TikTok app might just be in your future.