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As technology continues to transform businesses, governments, and citizens’ lives, more students are gravitating toward careers in computer science, programming, and application development. According to the most recent National Center for Education Statistics data, the number of computer and information sciences degrees conferred increased by 50.7% between 2012 and 2017. However, the numerous career paths available in technology can make it difficult to narrow down employment options after graduation. Given that most computer programming roles have some overlap, it’s critical to understand the similarities and differences between tech occupations in order to make an informed career choice.
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The comparison is complicated for many students to understand. While those interested in these career fields frequently pursue similar degrees, such as a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems, the knowledge, and expertise they develop during their studies varies. Both roles entail writing code, designing client-side applications, and employing various programming languages, but the projects they work on are typically quite different. To help you understand the differences between web development, software development, and app development, let’s look at the responsibilities, job outlook, and core skills required in each popular tech job.
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Software Development
As the name implies, software development is the process of creating software products that involve analyzing user needs and then designing, testing, and developing software to meet those needs or requirements. Software is created using specific programming languages, which improves business quality. oftware development entails creating, planning, reusing, researching and developing, simplifying things, expanding usage, and so on.
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Software development provides the product with planned and required computer software features. A desktop application is the most common type of software development. Developers should be well-versed in client requirements, programming languages, and end-user usage when creating software. The software development life cycle is used to guide software development (SDLC).
SDLC is divided into several phases or stages, which are as follows: 1. Analysis and planning of requirements 2. Defining requirements 3. Creating Requirements 4. Application or coding development 5. Application Testing 5. Put into action. 6. Installation and upkeep
For building software or a development process, different methodologies are used, such as the waterfall model, iterative model, spiral model, Agile methodology, prototype model, rapid application development, DevOps, and so on.
Becoming a Software Developer
Software developers create, manage, and optimize computer programs for use on desktop computers, laptop computers, smartphones, and other mobile devices. These computer science professionals write complex code that governs how desktop applications function using various programming languages such as Java, Python, C#, and SQL. Many software developers work for large technology companies such as Microsoft and Oracle, creating new products or improving existing ones. This includes fixing code bugs, updating user interfaces, developing new in-app tools, and a variety of other tasks. According to the BLS, software developers are responsible for some or all of the following tasks:
- Analyzing user requirements and developing software-based solutions
- Software upgrades for existing computer programs and systems
- Creating new applications for specific target audiences (consumers, enterprises, etc.)
- Making detailed models and diagrams outlining which software code is required
- All aspects of the application and system design are documented for future reference.
- Testing code for new applications to ensure consistency and efficiency
- Assuring software compatibility with existing data management systems
From the initial planning to the final rollout of new computer programs, software developers are heavily involved in every stage of the application design process. Professionals in this field, like web developers, are often divided into two categories based on their specializations: software applications developers and software systems developers. According to the National Center for O*NET Development, software application developers tend to focus on designing specific desktop and mobile applications, tools, and games for consumer audiences (NCOD). They frequently work on the same project for many years and are in charge of making sure their software is functional, engaging, and efficient.
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According to the NCOD, software systems, developers are primarily concerned with designing systems-level software for enterprise customers rather than the general public. They apply their extensive programming knowledge to develop computing applications for a variety of industries, including manufacturing, aerospace, and others. They create software that manages corporate networking apps, database management systems, and other critical infrastructure. Every position in software development has its own set of responsibilities; some companies rely on developers to write code, while others delegate this routine work to dedicated programmers. Finally, the job openings that students apply for should reflect their personal interests as well as the hard skills they learned during their undergraduate studies. If you want a more hands-on position, try to prioritize openings.
Key Software Developer Skills
Many of the skills and characteristics required of web and app developers are also required of software developers, particularly those related to coding, programming languages, and user interface design. This is due to the fact that professionals in this field must be capable of developing software solutions that solve very specific problems. A software developer, for example, could create an application that collates large data sets in real time if a company was having trouble managing and organizing its data. The projects in which developers would be involved are largely determined by the company for which they work, the clients to whom they are assigned, and the business challenges they are attempting to overcome. However, software developers frequently possess specific characteristics that make them well-suited to the demands of their job, such as:
Analytical abilities: Because user behaviors and preferences are constantly changing, it can be difficult to create desktop and mobile applications that will stand the test of time. Software developers must be able to analyze user trends and make recommendations to support their users’ changing design, content, and management needs.
Critical thinking: Because each piece of software should solve a specific problem or need, developers must consider the advantages and disadvantages of alternative solutions. Finding the best solution to a given problem is at the heart of the software development profession, requiring a keen eye for detail and a willingness to make unconventional suggestions. While software developers do not work with as many stakeholders as web developers, they still rely on their communication and interpersonal skills when working on large projects. Pursuing this career will require you to collaborate closely with other software developers, computer scientists, and IT professionals who may have very different perspectives on the applications you’re developing.
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Job Outlook and Compensation
Software developer job growth projections are even more optimistic than those for web development roles. The BLS predicts that employment of general software developers will grow by 21% between 2018 and 2028. However, this occupational growth is being driven primarily by the high demand for software application developers; the BLS predicts that employment for this specialized profession will grow by 26%, compared to only 10% for systems developers. As a result, it’s critical to carefully consider your post-graduation career path and enroll in courses that will help you achieve your long-term goals. In the world of software development, education is extremely important, and most employers will be looking for candidates with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in information technology, computer science, or software engineering. Alongside promising job growth, software developers also have higher salaries (on average) than professionals in other IT-related fields.
Web Development
Web development, as the name implies, is the process of creating a website for the internet or intranet, which includes a variety of tasks such as creating simple web pages, internet applications, social sites, and eCommerce portables. It simply refers to web markup and coding that necessitates a working knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Other tasks associated with web development include content management, web design, security, and so on. Web developers, full-stack web developers, front-end developers, UI developers, and back-end developers are the engineers who create web applications.
Web development is based on the web development life cycle, which is only slightly different from SDLC. The phases in this are as follows: 1. requirement gathering (purpose, goal, and audience) 2. planning (Workflow creation) 3. Development (Site page designing) 4. Content Administration or Writing 5th, coding (building website) 6. Evaluation 7. Deployment, hosting, and maintenance Web development also employ various methodologies to build or develop applications, such as the Agile methodology. Web development is the process of breaking down large tasks into smaller ones and monitoring continuous progress from start to finish in order to design a web application.
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Becoming a Web Developer
Web developers are in charge of how a website or web application looks and functions, from the user interface and page layout to back-end data collection systems. They collaborate with leaders of organizations to create unique and engaging websites for businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and anyone else looking to communicate more effectively online. Web developers are also responsible for the performance of the websites and applications they build, ensuring that users have a consistent and positive browsing experience. Common web developer job responsibilities, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, include:
- collaborating with clients and business leaders to develop new web design projects
- Developing and testing web applications and features
- Creating code in a variety of programming languages, such as HTML/CSS, XML, and JavaScript
- Integrating content such as graphics, written copy, videos, and audio into websites
- Developing technical requirements to support the long-term functionality of websites
- Creating security elements to safeguard user data and business assets
- Keeping track of website traffic and performance
Deeper exploration reveals that the web development field is divided into three specialized areas based on a candidate’s specific skill sets and professional interests: back-end developers, front-end developers, and full-stack developers. Each of these web design jobs has its own set of expectations and responsibilities:
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Back-end web developers
These experts concentrate on the technical aspects of websites and web applications that provide both basic and advanced functionality. They primarily work on administrative components such as databases, website architecture, and application logic, as well as developing new APIs and user interfaces based on predefined specifications. In general, this type of developer is interested in the fundamentals of how websites and web-based applications work.
Front-end web developers:
These design experts, also known as client-side developers, are in charge of how websites and applications appear and function from the perspective of users. They are in charge of making all online content simple to access, browse, and interact with, particularly for users with limited computer skills. To avoid display and functionality errors, front-end web developers must ensure that their websites are compatible with a wide range of operating systems, browsers, and devices.
Full-stack web developers:
These web design professionals are skilled in both front-end and back-end development tasks, as the job title implies. Most full-stack web developers have in-depth knowledge of application design, user experience, and programming languages such as HTML, XML, JavaScript, MySQL, and others. As a result, they can fill advisory and technical roles that require both computer science and business acumen.
Whatever web design positions you’re interested in, a bachelor’s degree in information systems or computer science can help you build the knowledge, skills, and experience you’ll need to get started. However, understanding which specific skill sets are in high demand is also important, as this will inform your graduate studies and make you more competitive once you enter the labor market.
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Key Web Developer Skills
According to the BLS, the essential skills for the majority of web developer positions are a solid command of HTML/CSS coding, experience with programming languages like Javascript and PHP, and knowledge of web application workflows. You might also require knowledge of database management or graphic design (front-end development) depending on the specific role you’re pursuing (back-end development). It’s critical to comprehend how online platforms are hosted, how users interact with various navigation frameworks, and how engaging content can enhance users’ overall experience because web developers handle everything from creating wireframe mockups for new web apps to managing existing websites. Among the essential qualities and abilities for web developers are:
To reduce errors and improve the user experience, every new feature added to a website or web application is tested repeatedly. As a result, web developers need to be able to spot and fix issues with the overall design, functionality, and coding of online resources.
Web developers work hard to come up with innovative answers to particular design problems. Professionals in this field must strike a balance between usability and aesthetics while adhering to a company’s core brand identity in order to satisfy their client’s expectations. This entails selecting fonts, colors, and graphics that go along with existing marketing materials as well as corporate standards. The content that users actively engage with determines how useful websites and web-based applications are. Web developers should have at least some experience with content management systems like WordPress, Drupal, and HubSpot because publishing blog posts, videos, and other online content is necessary for ranking favorably in search engines.
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Job Outlook and Compensation
As more businesses look to create in-house IT teams that can oversee all aspects of website operations, the demand for talented web developers is expected to continue to rise. Web developer employment is expected to increase by 13% between 2018 and 2028, which is much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the BLS. The rise in e-commerce, which is giving companies new chances to make money, is one factor contributing to this increase in employment.
A functional website can help drive new sales leads, foster brand loyalty, and draw in a global audience, so even businesses that do not directly sell goods or services online are looking to optimize their online presence. Web developers typically receive pay based on their level of education, technical expertise, and work experience.
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App Development
The process of creating mobile applications that should be straightforward, educational, and simple to use is known as app development. These apps are created using technology and resources for mobile devices like smartphones, tablets, and personal digital assistants, among others.
Becoming an App Developer
App developers allude to the creation of mobile application software. By making the app interactive, logical, and user-friendly, their primary goal is to improve the user experience. Prior to deployment, it must be precompiled. It increases the number of users who use the app for the longest possible period of time, improves efficiency, and increases customer engagement and satisfaction. It emphasizes design, user experience, and entertaining elements primarily. Its process entails planning and consulting, branding and design, coding and development, quality assurance and launch, and support and maintenance. Languages like Python, PHP, and JavaScript are also sometimes used in the development of apps. It ought to be easy to use, perform better, allow for customization, etc.
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Key App Developer Skills
You must use the Agile development process if you want to create a distinctive mobile application. It is appropriate for the quickly evolving mobile industry, where we experience new technological advancements every day. Rapid design, development, and release events are part of agile methodologies. As a result, an app developer should be able to incorporate agile methodologies. A good app developer should be able to effectively communicate with others. He should be able to give team members the necessary instructions, explain the idea behind a mobile app, and much more. It says that an app developer should possess the ability to explain every necessary technicality to his team members in a language that will make sense to them. A skilled app developer should troubleshoot any problems or difficulties users may encounter on a daily basis. A mobile app developer should be skilled at spotting the problems they are dealing with. This requires both analytical thinking and creative thinking. For that, they must maintain a perfect problem-solving level that will enable them to handle those problems and find an appropriate solution.
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