Application Developer

Application Developers design, develop, test, and maintain software applications to suit the requirements of business or personal use. Application Developers often work with a team of individuals with expertise in a range of roles within IT and programming, including Database Administrators, Web Developers, UX/UI Designers, and Software Developers. Application Developers may spend their day attending meetings with clients to determine their needs, creating programs, testing their applications, and implementing their applications in business settings.

Skills

Application Developers should have excellent computer science fundamentals, as well as strong logical and problem solving skills. Proficiency in a range of programming languages is required to meet the demands of a range of projects, and training in project management as well as active listening skills are beneficial to manage multiple projects simultaneously and to ensure the expectations of clients are clear.

• Knowledge and experience using a range of programming languages
• Experience in project management
• Knowledge of user design experience
• Excellent communication and active listening skills
• Strong logical reasoning and problem solving skills

Education

There are many paths to becoming an Application Developer. Some Application Developers have a degree in Computer Science or Information Technology from a traditional college or university. Others may have self-studied programming through online courses, books, and tutorials and used online or in-person networking opportunities to meet other professionals and find contract work.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for Application Developers is expected to increase by 22% from 2020 to 2030, faster than average for all occupations. Employment prospects are expected to be excellent as businesses and organizations continue to automate tasks and rely on computer applications.

Career Growth

Application Developers can choose to move into management positions such as Project Management or Software Development Management. Highly experienced Application Developers may choose to move to Senior Application Developer roles. Additionally, skilled and business-minded Application Developers may choose to found their own software development companies or consult on a contract basis.

Day-to-Day

Application Developers may spend their work week in a range of activities, and there is a lot of variance, depending on their goals for the day and their working environment. Some Application Developers may spend a significant amount of time in meetings with clients. Others spend time brainstorming with their design and development teams. Many hours are spent writing code and testing its functionality using automated tools. Often they spend time debugging code, re-factoring, and collaborating to create sophisticated software solutions that meet the specific needs of their employer or client.

Challenges

Demand for Application Developers can vary by industry and experience level. Developers should keep their skills updated through constant learning and training, as the industry and its tools are evolving at an accelerated pace. Projects can be delayed for reasons outside of the control of developers, and customer relations may need to be maintained in these situations.

Projects

Application Developers may lead or collaborate in many kinds of projects, including:

• Developing software applications for business or consumer use
• Maintaining and updating existing software applications
• Developing new features for existing software applications
• Testing and debugging software applications
• Documenting software applications

Personal Growth

In addition to the development of hard technical skills, Application Developers may have the opportunity to develop their communication and presentation skills as they collaborate with a range of individuals and present their ideas and solutions to stakeholders at different levels of an organization.

Personality Traits and Interests

People who are detail-oriented, logical, and have a passion for problem solving may be suited to a career as an Application Developer. Strong communication skills and the ability to work independently are also helpful.

How You Can Prepare

There are many ways to prepare for a career as an Application Developer. You can earn a degree in Computer Science or Information Technology, or you can self-study programming through online courses, books, and tutorials. There are also many online resources and bootcamps that can help you learn the skills you need to become an Application Developer.

Are Online Courses Enough?

While online courses can be a helpful way to learn the skills you need to become an Application Developer, they are not enough on their own. You will also need to gain experience in developing software applications. This can be done through internships, personal projects, or open-source projects.