SOFTWARE DEVELOPER
What Is a Software Developer?
What the job actually involves, how a development project typically runs, and what your options are when you need one yourself.
What does a software developer actually do?
A software developer builds the programs, websites and apps that businesses use to automate their processes or deliver services to customers. The term is also used interchangeably with programmer or application developer. Where the job used to be mostly about hardware, it’s now almost entirely about writing code in programming languages a computer can execute.
The work is broader than just typing behind a screen. A software developer thinks through exactly which problem is being solved, what a system should look like, and how it stays reliable once it’s live.
Why software development matters for businesses
Economic and technological developments follow each other quickly. Companies that respond well to this often need a piece of custom software, something an off-the-shelf package can’t offer. A software developer translates a business goal, like streamlining a process or launching a new product, into a working system.
Front-end and back-end: the two sides of the job
Back-end development
The back-end is what happens behind the scenes: where data is stored, processed and secured. Back-end developers work with languages like Python, PHP or Laravel, depending on what the project needs. Python, for example, is one of the most widely used languages for back-end systems, including at large companies like Netflix and Facebook.
Front-end development
The front-end is what the user actually sees and interacts with: the interface of a website or app. Front-end developers often work with JavaScript-based frameworks like React, making sure a program not only works but is also pleasant to use.
OUR APPROACH
How does a software development project run?
The actual programming is usually only part of the whole process. A development project starts with defining the problem and the desired user interface, before a single line of code is written.
From idea to test version
After the initial analysis, a test version is built, often in one programming language, sometimes several. The code is documented and converted into an executable version. If something isn’t working well enough yet, adjustments follow before development continues.
Waterfall versus iterative work
There are broadly two main methods. In the waterfall method, all steps are completed one after another, leaving little room for mid-project changes. In iterative work, the project is split into smaller parts, so you can respond faster to new insights.
What happens most often in practice
Most teams today work predominantly iteratively, sometimes combined with elements of the waterfall method where that fits better. A good software developer always works with a clear plan regardless of the method.
NEED A SOFTWARE DEVELOPER YOURSELF?
Freelancer, in-house hire, or an agency
If you need development capacity yourself, there are broadly three routes. A freelancer is flexible and often cheaper per hour, but you manage coordination yourself and have no backup if they’re unavailable. Hiring someone in-house gives you the most control long-term, but takes time (sourcing, screening, onboarding) and is less flexible if the need decreases again. Hiring through an agency sits in between: you get someone with experience on similar projects, who can start quickly, and who can be swapped in without the project stalling if something changes.
At Wise Minds we work the agency route. Our hire a developer page shows which specialists we have in-house and what the collaboration looks like.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
More about the software developer profession
What's the difference between a software developer and a software engineer?
In practice the terms are often used interchangeably. Where they sometimes differ is that ‘software engineer’ tends to emphasize architecture and system design, while ‘software developer’ is used more broadly for anyone who builds software.
Which programming languages does a software developer use?
It depends on the specialism. For back-end, Python, PHP and Java are common; for front-end, JavaScript (often via frameworks like React) is the standard. Most developers are proficient in multiple languages.
What's the difference between custom software and an off-the-shelf package?
An off-the-shelf package is fast to implement and cheaper, but the functionality is fixed. Custom software is built specifically around your business processes, which takes more time but fits what you actually need much better.
How long does it take to have software developed?
This varies a lot per project. A small test version can be ready within a few weeks; a full system often takes several months, depending on complexity and the number of iterations.
Looking for a software developer to hire?
Now that you know what the job involves and what your options are: our hire a developer page shows exactly which specialists Wise Minds has in-house and how quickly you can get started.
