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software developer

Software developers, also known as applications/systems programmers or software engineers, are responsible for writing specifications, designing, developing, installing, testing and maintaining software applications. They may work on generic products, which can be used by a range of organisations or develop tailored packages to match a client's specific requirements. The end product should fulfil four key requirements. It should be:

  1. Usable – it has to be fit for purpose and practical for end users
  2. Efficient – software must optimise performance and be cost-effective
  3. Reliable – the product must be dependable, not prone to faults and be easily maintained
  4. Flexible – the software should be able to evolve in response to changing demands.

Developers work in a wide range of sectors including business and finance, engineering and manufacturing, IT, telecommunications, local and central government, health and education. Work may involve replacing an entire system, but more commonly, it incorporates integrating ‘off-the-shelf’ software packages into an existing system by adding modifications to programming code.

Examples of software applications use include:

  • industrial machinery automation
  • manufacturing process controls
  • administrative and financial databases and reporting systems
  • e-commerce packages
  • embedded controls, such as software found inside home entertainment equipment.
There are differing methodologies used in this field including iterative development, agile processes and extreme programming. The steps using one of the best known models - the waterfall process - are outlined below:
  • working with the client, the developer analyses existing procedures, documents client needs and draws up detailed test specifications
  • they build a working version (or modify an existing version) using programming code
  • version checks are carried out by testing data
  • installation and integration tests are done
  • developers evaluate test results and fix technical problems (bugs)
  • the full installation is implemented and final validation checks carried out before going live
  • maintenance and support routines in place.

Developers work closely with other IT professionals such as systems analysts, systems architects and systems engineers. They also work with technical authors to produce support documentation, such as design manuals and training notes.

It is essential for software developers to maintain up-to-date knowledge of the available software packages, programming languages and development standards. They should also understand Computer Aided (Assisted) Software Engineering (CASE) tools, which are used during the development phases.

More experienced developers are also involved in supervising development teams, monitoring and reviewing colleague's work, project management, strategic planning and product research.

Hours and Environment

Software developers work between 37 and 40 hours a week. Overtime and weekend work may be necessary to meet deadlines.

Work is office-based with much of the time spent at clients' premises. This may involve some travel and sometimes being away from home for lengthy periods.

Skills and Interests

As a software developer, you should:

  • have expert knowledge of current hardware, software and programming languages
  • have excellent analytical skills
  • have excellent communication skills
  • be able to work with people at all levels including non-technical staff
  • be able to pay attention to detail
  • have project management skills
  • be able to work under pressure and to deadlines
  • be able to work as part of team
  • be customer focused and have an appreciation of wider business demands
  • respect the confidentiality of a client's processes and information.

Entry

The most usual entry requirement for a career as a software developer is a degree or BTEC HNC/HND. Relevant subjects include:

  • computer science/studies
  • information technology
  • software development
  • software engineering
  • business information systems.

Several universities are now offering the Information Technology Management for Business (ITMB) degree, developed by e-skills and employers to meet specific industry needs. For more details, see the e-skills UK website in Further Information.

For a degree, you usually need at least five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) and two or three A levels/three or four H grades (including maths or computing), or equivalent qualifications such as vocational A levels.

An Access to Higher Education qualification may also be accepted for entry to certain courses. Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

Non-IT graduates can study for postgraduate conversion courses. Entrants with business and IT experience may be able to move into this area from other sectors.

An understanding of some of the main programming languages is essential for this role. Common examples include: 
  • Java
  • C++
  • Smalltalk
  • Powerbuilder
  • Visual Basic
  • Oracle
  • UML (Unified Modelling Language)
  • Delphi
  • Prolog
  • .NET frameworks (such as C# (C-sharp), ASP and VB).
The Developer.com website in Further Information contains lots of information and links to resources covering programming languages.

For information about careers in the IT sector, see e-skills UK, the British Computer Society, Institute for the Management of Information Systems (IMIS) and the Institution of Analysts and Programmers (IAP) in Further Information.

Training

The majority of training is on the job, supplemented by internal or external courses as appropriate. If you hold a degree-level qualification, work-based graduate apprenticeships may be available. You can develop your skills by taking additional software manufacturers’ certification courses. There are some options outlined below.
 
The Graduate Professional Development Award (GDPA), developed by e-skills in conjunction with higher education institutions and IT employers, is studied as part of an undergraduate, postgraduate or work-based training programme. The Award covers key skills required by the industry including communication and problem solving, team working and technical competencies. See e-skills UK for details.
 
The British Computer Society (BCS) offers a series of professional awards – Certificate, Diploma and Professional Graduate Diploma for those wishing to enhance their career prospects. These are equivalent to the first, second and third year of a university honours degree, respectively. Candidates can choose from a range of options including software development and engineering. Contact BCS for further details and entry requirements.
 
The Institute for the Management of Information Systems (IMIS) offers a series of programmes ranging from introductory level through to the equivalent of ordinary degree level for people wishing to enhance their career prospects within the information management sector. Options include Contemporary IS Development which covers software development. See the IMIS website below.
 
The Institution of Analysts and Programmers (IAP) has various membership grades and professional development courses for those working in this role. For more details contact IAP.
 
Proprietary certification qualifications are available through software development companies. Some examples include: 
  • Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) and Certified Applications Developer (MCAD)
  • Sun Microsystems Java Certified Programmer (SCJP) and Developer (SCJD)
  • Oracle PL/SQL Developer (databases)
  • Certified Internet Webmaster (CIW) Master Enterprise Specialist, Web Developer and Applications Developer.
For more about professional development options, see the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) website. Some of the professional bodies listed in Further Information have developed the framework, in conjunction with industry. It allows IT professionals, training providers and employers to reference their skills or requirements and help identify career development pathways.

Opportunities

Software developers are now employed across the whole range of commerce and industry, public services, utilities, defence and research.

Many opportunities occur overseas, either with UK-based companies, with companies based in the Middle East or the USA, or with international organisations such as the EU. Database, multimedia and artificial intelligence programming skills are particularly sought after.

Promotion to senior or lead developer and then to project manager is a common way forward. Movement into related areas such as systems design and architecture are also possible. Experienced professionals can become self-employed and work on a contract or consultancy basis.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Salaries start at between £19,500 and £24,000 a year.
Experienced developers can earn between £25,000 and £38,000.
Senior developers may earn up to £45,000.

Further information

http://www.uk.sun.com
http://www.sfia.org.uk
http://www.oracle.com
http://www.microsoft.com/uk
Charles House
36 Culmington Road
London
W13 9NH
Tel: 020 8567 2118
http://www.iap.org.uk
5 Kingfisher House
New Mill Road
Orpington
Kent
BR5 3QG
Tel: 0700 002 3456
http://www.imis.org.uk
http://www.ciwcertified.com
http://www.developer.com
1 Sanford Street
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN1 1HJ
http://www.bcs.org.uk
1 Castle Lane
London
SW1E 6DR
http://www.e-skills.com

 

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