Software Developer Roles and Responsibilities: 2024 Guide for Employers

Advancements in technology have made businesses more efficient and more competitive in a race to meet consumers’ needs. Customers can order groceries, make banking transactions, and shop online. Companies like yours need the software to execute these and other functions. These growing demands drive the need for software developers.

As consumer expectations grow and businesses invest more money into software, more companies seek remote developers. Entire teams can work together online with video conferencing software. A remote development team has the advantage of being able to operate during uncertain times without losing efficiency.

But how do you hire a great software developer? Before you can meet the development needs of your company, you need to articulate what those needs are. And before you can hire a developer to meet those needs, you should have a good idea of what a developer does.

The following article will introduce you to software developer roles and responsibilities, so you can assess how one can benefit your company. By understanding the day-to-day processes of a software developer, you can then find out how to maximize their potential.

Table of contents

• What is the role of a software developer?
• What are the responsibilities of software developers?
• How is AI changing software development?
• Interview questions when hiring software developers

What is the role of a software developer?

At the beginning of a project, software developers usually meet with business leaders to learn about a company’s needs. Those needs might require software management, software design, or building software. A software developer will code the software using the pertinent programming language or supervise a team that does so. See more details below in the description of software developer responsibilities.

Depending on the industry they’re operating in, software developer roles and responsibilities may look very different. Development projects can vary in complexity and scope. For example, a single tweak to your company’s working app will require much less effort than designing an entire user application from scratch.

Many of the best developers now choose to work as independent contractors. This method of operating offers professionals certain benefits, like working at the time and place they choose and selecting the projects they want to work on.

Hiring remote developers also brings benefits for employers. For instance, it allows your business to select from a more diverse, global talent pool instead of hiring only software developers based in your locale. This may give you faster time to market or onboarding and increase your flexibility for project-based hiring.

However, most software developers share certain attributes and responsibilities. You should be aware of these similarities and know how to evaluate them to hire the best developer for your team.

Education and training

Software developers generally have a computer science bachelor’s or master’s degree. Since software development aims to solve problems more generally, STEM degrees (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) can also be beneficial.

The formal degree is often an indication that a developer has the right technical skills. Sometimes, experience working in a development team can help the developer build the right technical background even without an advanced computer science education. Always ask developers for examples of their past work and get references to verify their skills.

Note that certifications and boot camps can allow workers to gain skills and learn programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, and HTML for a fraction of the cost of a computer science program from a big university.

When hiring a software developer, consider your specific needs. For instance, if JavaScript capability suffices, hire a developer with that specialization however they achieved their expertise. If you require a deeper understanding of software development, you may need to seek someone with a formal degree in computer science.

Technical skills

A developer must have several hard skills to oversee the creation of software. They should be familiar with a variety of coding languages and frameworks. The specific languages and software systems a software developer needs to know depend on the projects they’ll be undertaking.

Usually, software developers fall into one of these categories:

• Front-end developer. Front-end developers are responsible for everything a user sees on a website or mobile app. Their primary concern is how a website or app behaves when someone uses it. Developers like these usually use languages like JavaScript and HTML to give users the best experience possible.

• Back-end developer. Back-end developers write the code for the website or app. To put it simply, back-end developers do the groundwork that allows front-end software to operate. These developers use languages like Python, PHP, and Java to establish the functionality of an application.
• SQL developer. A software developer specializing in SQL focuses on designing, implementing, and maintaining databases by writing efficient SQL queries, optimizing database performance, and ensuring data integrity to support the seamless operation of applications and systems.

• Full-stack developer. Full-stack developers are masters in both front-end and back-end development. They're proficient in back-end projects like writing application programming interfaces (APIs) or front-end projects like writing JavaScript code.

While full-stack developers usually have the broadest skills and experience, they also tend to be more expensive. If the scope of your project only needs a certain type of development, you may be able to save money by hiring a specialized developer.

Soft skills

In addition to the above, software developer skills need to include being able to collaborate and communicate clearly in order to work with the members of their team effectively.

For example, if a developer is the team leader, it’s their job to reiterate your client needs and vision to the rest of the team, with the appropriate translation from user language to technical specs. The project leader will need to arrange check-ins with team members to ensure they’re on track and able to meet deadlines. At the end of the project, they’ll also have to work with their team to test every aspect of the new application or website to make sure it works well.

Even after a project is finished, a software developer is accountable to maintain it and make sure it continues to meet your client needs. For this to work, the developer must always keep an open line of communication between the development team and your client team.

‍Soft skills are more than just communication and collaboration. Flexibility, emotional intelligence, adaptability, analytical skills, and problem-solving are all key soft skills that software developers need to succeed in the workplace.

During the hiring process, you should always evaluate a developer’s soft skills. Ask them to give examples of how they’ve successfully worked with teams in the past and how they’ve resolved any conflicts that have arisen between team members. To evaluate a developer's flexibility, inquire about instances where they have adapted to changing project requirements or tight deadlines. Additionally, assess their problem-solving skills by asking for examples of complex challenges they have encountered and how they approached finding solutions.

Attention to detail

To be effective, programming must be precise. Even the tiniest coding mistake can have a disastrous effect on the functionality of an application. Developers can’t afford to overlook any aspects of their programming.

Businesses like yours rely on developers to create robust and reliable software solutions. Whether it’s a complex enterprise application or a user-friendly mobile app, the quality of the software directly impacts the success of your business. A well-developed software product ensures your customers have a seamless experience, leading to increased user satisfaction and loyalty.

However, even minor defects or inconsistencies in the software can lead to user frustration and dissatisfaction. Bugs, crashes, or security vulnerabilities can impact the user experience and potentially harm your business’s reputation. So, software developers must possess exceptional attention to detail to identify and address any issues that could compromise the overall quality and reliability of the software they create.

What are the responsibilities of software developers?

As noted, the duties of software developers can vary greatly depending on the project and industry in which they’re working. Still, most software developers share several general responsibilities.

Making software is a complex task that requires a great deal of planning and work. A developer is involved in every aspect of the process: design, implementation, testing, and maintenance.

Designing and creating software

The software developers working with your team will typically follow a systematic software development life cycle approach to deliver products to meet your needs. They’ll engage in extensive planning, testing, and analysis before starting the development project.

During the planning stage, which is integral to software development, budgets are established, goals are set, and project objectives are defined. Since each project is unique in nature, this stage serves the important step of defining and clarifying client expectations and ensuring a comprehensive understanding of project requirements.

The software development team collects and analyzes your in-house data or their own or third-party research to articulate the project’s purpose and verify end user requirements. They  then determine the timeline to achieve project completion.

This information is documented in the software requirement specification (SRS) for your team’s approval and as future reference as the project progresses. Following this agreement to proceed, the software team develops a working prototype based on the desired requirements and conducts thorough testing to identify and address any issues or bugs.

Adjust and upgrade current applications

Businesses have a whole range of software needs. Sometimes they require software built from the ground up. At other times, they might just need a new update for a piece of existing software or have new features added.

These projects often have a smaller scope than projects that require new software to be built. If you only need changes to your company’s current software, for example, you may save money by hiring a smaller team or even a single developer.

An example of this type of project would be enhancing the functionality of an existing mobile application. Let’s say your company already has a mobile app that provides certain services to customers, but you want to add new features, improve the user interface, and fix some bugs to enhance the overall user experience. A skilled software developer with expertise in mobile app development could handle the project, given that the app’s infrastructure and backend architecture are already in place.

Perform quality checks and tests for applications

The new or upgraded software should always be thoroughly tested. Software engineering teams are constantly evaluating the quality of their work, generally using two main types of testing.

Functional testing makes sure an application or website does what it’s supposed to do. A link designed to take a customer to a certain landing page should bring them to the correct destination. A development team will typically do this type of testing themselves.

Nonfunctional testing makes sure an application or website operates to a user’s standards. This type of testing takes into account aspects like the speed of a website under different circumstances. Doing this type of testing with an automated tool like Apache JMeter can be more effective.

Make records of operations for future use

A software developer never knows when the notes for an old project will need to be revisited. For this reason, everything a development team does during a project needs to be documented. Creating and maintaining programming flowcharts and pseudocode can provide a structural framework for reference, much as an architect creates and annotates a blueprint during planning and constructing a building.

From the beginning, a developer should also keep track of their team’s goals, jobs, and plans for a project.  As the project advances, a record of development and testing should be kept. A list of problems and sticking points can be useful, as well, with their solutions.

With quality documentation, a developer can easily explain everything their team has done to meet your client needs. And if any problems arise with the software in the future, you can engage that developer or another to quickly identify and fix issues using this documentation.

Maintain software for optimal performance

After a software project is finished, your organization will need to be confident that the software will continue to run properly. You’ll need maintenance because, as time goes on, the software might need to be updated or adjusted.

Sometimes, errors that need to be fixed are found after the software is put in place. You might need a developer to revisit the project for other reasons over time. For example, new data could suggest that a website is no longer offering users an optimal experience. The developer would then need to alter the code to meet the needs of its users.

Software maintenance is vital to keeping programs operating efficiently. You’ll find that a good software developer knows that even though an initial project is complete, their relationship with you, the client, is ongoing.

How is AI changing software development?

AI (artificial intelligence) is undoubtedly making a significant impact on software development, offering new possibilities for employers when choosing a developer. As a tool, AI can assist developers in various ways. For instance, it can be used to check code for errors, enabling faster bug identification and resolution. AI can also speed up the code-writing process by automating certain repetitive tasks.

Looking toward the future, AI is poised to play an increasingly valuable role in software development. It is expected to evolve further, offering improved capabilities and efficiency. As a result, developers who embrace and effectively use AI as a force multiplier are likely to excel in their roles, delivering enhanced productivity and innovation.

When considering software developers who employ AI, you should look for a balanced approach. A developer who integrates AI as a helpful tool within their workflow demonstrates adaptability and a willingness to leverage technology for improved outcomes.

However, you’ll want to be cautious of developers who rely too heavily on AI, neglecting their own expertise and problem-solving skills. A developer who solely relies on AI without possessing a strong foundation in software development principles or a deep understanding of programming languages should raise a red flag before you think about hiring them.

Striking a healthy balance between human expertise and AI utilization is key to harnessing the full potential of this technology in software development.

Software developer job description template

Job descriptions may vary based on location, project type, and company but typically outline responsibilities, educational requirements, and desired soft skills. Depending on the project, more specific technical skills and soft skills may be required.

For remote teams with international collaboration, specifying language capabilities in the job description may be helpful.

Consider this example of a job description for a software development role, which you can use as a template to modify when writing job requirements for your specific needs.

Job description:

We’re seeking a talented software developer to join our team of highly skilled professionals. As a software developer, you’ll be responsible for designing, coding, testing, and deploying software applications using a variety of programming languages and technologies. We’re particularly interested in candidates who have experience with and an understanding of integrating AI technologies into their development workflows.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather and analyze software requirements
• Design, develop, and maintain high-quality software applications
• Implement AI algorithms and techniques to enhance software functionality and performance
• Utilize AI tools to streamline the code-writing process and automate repetitive tasks
• Conduct thorough testing, modifying, and debugging to ensure software reliability and performance
• Stay updated with industry trends and advancements in AI and software development
• Continuously improve software development processes and methodologies

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field
• Proven experience in software development, with expertise in at least one programming language (e.g., Java, Python, C++, CSS)
• Experience with web development frameworks, databases, and development processes
• A thorough understanding of different operating systems (Windows, MacOS, Linux)
• Familiarity with AI technologies and their integration into software development processes
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to think creatively
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills
• Ability to adapt to changing project requirements and work in a fast-paced environment

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with AI frameworks and libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch)
• Knowledge of machine learning concepts and algorithms
• Previous projects showcasing the integration of AI techniques into software development processes
• Knowledge of different software programs
• Familiarity with agile software development methodologies
• Interest in new technologies relating to mobile devices and computer systems
• Three years of experience in software solutions and a thorough understanding of the software development life cycle
• Must be able to speak English fluently; fluency in Chinese would also be an advantage

Join our team and be part of a forward-thinking organization that values innovation and embraces the potential of AI in software development. Together, we can drive technological advancements and deliver exceptional software solutions. Apply today with your updated resume and a cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and passion for AI-supported software development.

Interview questions when hiring software developers

Much like the job description, the interview questions that you ask your candidates when hiring software developers should include a mixture of technical capabilities and soft skills. Here are some questions to ask when hiring software developers:

Technical skills and experience:

• Please describe a software development project you have worked on from start to finish? What were your responsibilities and contributions?
• What programming languages and technologies are you proficient in? What is  your experience and comfort level with each?
• Have you utilized AI technologies or integrated AI into software development projects? If so, provide examples of how you have used AI and the impact it had on the project.
• What are several examples of your experience with software testing and quality assurance?
• I’d like you to describe a situation where you had to adapt to changing project requirements or technologies.
• What process do you follow for debugging and troubleshooting code issues?
• Tell me about a time you had to understand user needs and test software based on it.

Problem-solving and critical thinking:

• How do you approach problem-solving in software development? What is one example of a challenging problem you faced and how you resolved it?
• How do you stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in software development?

Collaboration and communication:

• Describe a time when you had to work collaboratively with a team of developers or cross-functional teams. How did you contribute to the team's success and handle any challenges or conflicts that arose?
• Have you worked with remote teams or in a distributed work environment? How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration in such settings?
• We regularly use Microsoft Teams to communicate. How comfortable are you with that?

Time management and adaptability:

• How do you manage your time and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced software development environment? Can you discuss a situation where you had to balance multiple projects or tight deadlines?
• Please describe a situation where you had to adapt to changing project requirements or technologies. How did you handle the adjustments and ensure successful project delivery?

If you’re looking to hire a software developer to work remotely, consider these additional interview questions for remote workers.

Find the perfect professional for any development project

The need for skilled software developers has erupted as companies like yours race to attain the technology that will provide an edge. All types of companies, from banks to grocery stores, need websites, mobile apps, and other software programs. These platforms and tools make it easier for their customers to do business with them.

Finding the right programmer to carry out your project can take research. You should know the scope of your product, the type of development (front-end, back-end, or both) needed, and what to look for in a quality worker. For very large projects you may find that you want to hire a software engineer who will coordinate a team of multiple software developers. Or you may want to engage a software developer as a partner in a startup application.

By taking the time to understand the role of a software developer, you can engage the perfect one for your business needs. Filling roles with remote talent is a great way to access new labor forces globally from your city, state, country, or anywhere in the world. Scale your business faster with lower hiring and staffing costs while getting the best talent you can find. Are you feeling overwhelmed? Upwork can narrow your hiring search to only the best independent software developers for your business. Your company deserves the best independent workers; Upwork can help you find them no matter where you are in the world.

FAQs

What is the difference between a Software Developer and a Web Developer?
A software developer creates various software applications for platforms like desktops, servers, or mobile devices, writing code using languages like Java or Python. In contrast, a web developer specializes in building websites and web applications that run in browsers, using tools like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Both are builders and testers. The key difference is that software developers work on a broader range of applications, while web developers focus specifically on web-based solutions.

What qualifications are required for a career in software development?
A career path in software development typically requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, though some enter through coding bootcamps or self-study. Key qualifications include proficiency in programming languages, knowledge of frameworks and databases, and understanding of software development methodologies. Certifications and practical experience, such as internships or personal projects, also play a significant role in advancing a developer's career.

What are the typical career progression paths for a software developer?
A software developer typically starts as a junior developer, progresses to a mid-level role with more complex projects, and advances to a senior developer who leads projects and mentors others. Further progression can lead to roles such as a technical lead, software architect, or engineering manager, with responsibilities ranging from overseeing technical decisions to managing entire development teams.

What are some common software development methodologies and how do they affect a developer's role?
Common software development methodologies include Agile, Waterfall, Scrum, and DevOps. Agile promotes iterative development and continuous feedback, while Waterfall is a linear approach with distinct phases. Scrum, a type of Agile, focuses on short, collaborative sprints, and DevOps emphasizes integrating development and operations for continuous delivery. These methodologies shape how developers approach their work, influencing collaboration, flexibility, and project management.