Developer is one of the professions currently in high demand in the technology and information sector. This role is essential because of how central it is to building applications, software, and websites.
According to a report from Indeed, the developer profession saw a 22% increase in growth in 2021. That’s great news if you’re considering a career building websites or applications.
That said, it helps to first understand the qualifications involved and what the career path ahead looks like.
What Is a Developer?
In simple terms, a developer is someone responsible for designing a product or service, typically software or a website.
In many ways, this role sits one level above a programmer.
A developer needs to be able to build products by writing complex lines of code in various programming languages, such as HTML, Python, or JavaScript.
They also need to apply core principles like scalability, maintainability, resilience, security, and design throughout the development process.
Naturally, becoming a developer requires a solid understanding of a range of programming languages, so you can effectively build and grow an application or website.
Developers typically collaborate closely with other developers on their team, and often with design teams as well.
Types of Developers
Broadly speaking, developers fall into three general categories. All three, at their core, are responsible for building a product or service in the form of an application or website.
Here’s a look at each type.
1. Front-End Developer
A front-end developer builds the visual side of a site using programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Front-end work is also known as “client-side” development, since it’s oriented around the end user’s experience.
Front-end developers need to make sure the product they build looks good and works well for every visitor, so the application or website feels engaging to use.
2. Back-End Developer
A back-end developer is responsible for the server side of an application or website. They need to make sure the app or site actually functions and can be accessed reliably.
This role is every bit as interesting as front-end work. It’s often called “server-side” development because it deals directly with the server infrastructure behind an application or site.
Another key responsibility of a back-end developer is making sure a site loads quickly, which also supports SEO performance down the line.
3. Full-Stack Developer
A full-stack developer combines front-end and back-end work, handling both sides of development.
Companies often look for full-stack developers because hiring one can lower overall product-development costs. Naturally, becoming a full-stack developer means mastering the responsibilities and skills of both front-end and back-end roles.
Skills a Developer Needs to Master
To become a developer, there are several core skills you’ll need in order to meet the qualifications for the role.
Some of the fundamental skills a developer should have include:
1. Understanding Programming Languages
Programming languages are a foundational skill for any developer. You’ll need to understand common languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Mastering these three languages is a key starting point for becoming a capable developer.
2. Understanding Algorithms
A solid grasp of algorithms is essential for any developer. This skill means being able to understand the logic applied throughout a program’s development.
3. Libraries and Frameworks
Libraries and frameworks help simplify and speed up a developer’s work, typically used to accelerate HTML, CSS, and JavaScript development.
Two of the most commonly used libraries and frameworks are Bootstrap and jQuery.
4. Git and GitHub
Developers typically use Git to track every change made to their code, while GitHub is the hosting service used to store those Git repositories.
If you understand how these two tools work, you’re well on your way to being ready for a developer role.
5. Soft Skills
Being a developer isn’t just about technical programming ability. It also takes strong problem-solving skills, communication, and teamwork — all of which help a developer perform better in their role.
Developer vs. Programmer: What’s the Difference?
Unlike a developer, a programmer specializes in understanding the programming languages behind a computer system. Programmers typically come from a computer science or informatics background.
A programmer’s responsibilities usually include designing a program’s interface, writing program code, debugging, and testing.
Broadly, the main difference lies in focus: developers concentrate more on structuring how an application is built overall, while programmers focus more on writing the actual code for that application.
In terms of scope, a developer’s role is generally considered one level above a programmer’s. Programmers often work under a developer’s direction when designing an application or website.
Career Prospects for Developers
If you’re considering becoming a developer, that’s a great direction to pursue — demand for developers among companies continues to grow.
The shift from traditional platforms to online platforms has created fertile ground for developer careers.
Down the line, you won’t just be building software or applications — you’ll also be developing the websites companies need for marketing to their customers.
On top of that, the rapid growth of startups is matched by growing demand for developers and programmers to help build the applications these companies need. This makes it a career worth taking seriously.
The Rise of Hiring Remote Developers
Alongside this growing demand, more and more companies are choosing to hire developers remotely rather than only building in-house, on-site teams.
This shift is driven by a few clear advantages. Hiring remote developers gives companies access to a much wider talent pool, since location is no longer a limiting factor. It also tends to reduce costs, from office space to relocation expenses, while giving both employers and developers more flexibility in how and when work gets done.
For developers, this trend means career opportunities are no longer confined to a single city or country. A front-end, back-end, or full-stack developer can now build a career working with companies anywhere in the world, provided they have the technical skills, strong communication habits, and self-discipline that remote work demands. At the same time, more companies are actively looking to hire remote developer, making this one of the most accessible entry points into the industry today.
For companies, though, managing a remote or distributed developer team introduces its own challenges, from tracking performance and deliverables to keeping documentation, onboarding, and communication organized across time zones. This is where HR systems built for remote and hybrid teams, like LinovHR’s Talent Management System, can help companies manage remote developer talent more effectively.
Conclusion
That covers what you need to know about the developer profession. As explained above, developer roles are a promising career path today, driven by digitalization taking hold across nearly every industry.
The roles you might take on range from front-end developer all the way to full-stack developer. Becoming a developer also calls for a mix of programming-language skills and soft skills for solving problems along the way.
If you’re interested in pursuing this path, start building the core skills a developer needs right away.
Hopefully this overview has been useful!
