What is a .NET developer and why are they essential?
The .NET (Dot Net) developer, as the name suggests, is an IT professional specialising in Microsoft’s .NET technology. “.NET” is a free, open-source software development platform created by Microsoft. This platform makes it possible to build a variety of applications, from web and mobile applications to desktop applications and games, and even cloud services.
The importance of a .NET developer lies in his or her ability to exploit the powerful tools and frameworks of the “.NET” platform to meet complex user needs. They are essential if you wish to:
- Create reliable, scalable applications: “.NET” offers powerful tools for optimising memory management, reinforcing security, improving performance and providing scalability that is adapted to suit application requirements, thereby guaranteeing long-lasting, efficient solutions.
- Integrate heterogeneous systems: “.NET” connects a variety of applications and databases, facilitating data exchange and collaboration between different systems.
- Innovate and adapt: “.NET” is constantly evolving, with new features and regular updates, enabling developers to stay at the cutting edge of technology.
- Responding to specific business needs: .NET is used in a wide range of sectors, providing the flexibility to develop solutions that are tailored to meet business needs.
What are the main tasks of a .NET developer?
A developer’s missions can vary, depending on the situation the company is in and the specific requirements of each project. Nevertheless, we can identify the main missions:
Application development and maintenance
- Design, development and testing of web, desktop and mobile applications.
- Maintenance and upgrading of existing applications.
- Bug solving and performance optimisation.
- Drafting of technical documentation.
Database design and management
- Database design and modeling.
- SQL query writing and database performance optimisation.
- Integrate data from different data sources.
Collaboration with IT and business teams
- Participation in project meetings and design phases.
- Collaboration with project managers, architects and other developers.
- Communication with end-users, to better understand their needs.
- Participation in code reviews.
What skills and tools does a .NET developer need?
To excel as a .NET developer, it’s essential to master a set of technical skills and tools:
Essential languages and frameworks
Technical skills:
- Programming languages: Proficiency in C# (essential), VB.NET and possibly F#.
- .NET Framework: good knowledge of .NET Framework, .NET Core and .NET 6+.
- Web development: skills in ASP.NET Core, MVC, Blazor and Web API.
- Databases: knowledge of SQL Server, Entity Framework and LINQ.
- Front-end development: familiarity with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks such as Angular and/or React.
- Software architecture: understanding concepts such as MVC (Model View Controller), MVVM (Model-View-ViewModel), microservices and layered architecture.
- Testing: proficiency in unit testing tools (xUnit, NUnit, MSTest) and integration testing.
Development environments and tools
- Visual Studio / Visual Studio Code: Microsoft’s IDE (Integrated Development Environment).
- SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS): for SQL Server database management.
- Version management systems: master Git, an open source version management software and associated tools (GitHub, GitLab, Azure DevOps).
- CI/CD tools: software or platforms providing services for continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD): Azure DevOps, Jenkins, or GitHub Actions.
- Containers: Knowledge of container management tools (e.g. Docker) and orchestration tools (e.g. Kubernetes).
- Project management tools: Jira, Trello or Azure Boards.
Methodologies and best practices
These things play a key role in the day-to-day work of a developer:
Agile/Scrum methodologies: used to manage projects iteratively and collaboratively, they promote adaptability, communication between teams and rapid delivery of user functions.
Knowledge of the SOLID principles: the SOLID principles aim to improve the quality of code by making it clearer, more understandable and easier to edit. These principles are particularly valuable in a teamwork environment, where clarity and the ability to adapt code quickly are essential for those wanting to ensure that teams collaborate well and projects are sustainable.
Clean Architecture: Clean Architecture is an approach to software design that aims to create modular, framework-independent systems. It focuses on the separation of concerns, making code more maintainable and testable.
DDD (Domain-Driven Design): Domain-Driven Design is a software design methodology that emphasises business domain modeling and close collaboration with domain experts. Using DDD, developers create models that faithfully reflect business processes, thereby better aligning software with real user needs and facilitating communication between technical teams and business teams.
TDD (Test-Driven Development): Test-Driven Development is a software development practice in which tests are written before production code. This approach ensures that code meets the requirements specified, and facilitates early detection of bugs. By adopting TDD, developers can improve code quality, reduce maintenance costs and increase confidence in system modifications.
Complementary skills
- Technology watch: keep abreast of developments in the entire .NET ecosystem.
- Problem solving : the ability to analyse and correct bugs efficiently. It is always a plus if a developer has this among their skillset, whatever the programming language.
These skills and tools enable us to meet project requirements, collaborate effectively and adapt to technological developments.
How do I become a .NET developer?
To become a developer who specialises in .NET technologies, you need to follow a structured path to acquire the necessary technical skills, tools and best practices. There are several routes to becoming a .NET developer:
Recommended education and training
- University degree in computer science (bachelor’s, master’s).
- BTS/DUT computer science
- Specialised professional training in .NET development
- Numerous online training courses (OpenClassrooms, Udemy, etc.)
Microsoft certifications
- Azure Developer Associate: this certification enables a professional to prove a developer’s ability to design, develop, test and maintain cloud solutions on Microsoft Azure.
- Azure Cosmos DB Developer Specialty: is a certification that proves competence in the design, development and maintenance of solutions that use Azure Cosmos DB, a NoSQL database.
- There are other certifications that validate specific skills in the .NET ecosystem.
Microsoft certifications undergo frequent changes, so it’s important to check the official Microsoft website for the latest information.
How much do .NET developers earn?
A .NET developer’s salary depends on a number of factors, including experience, skills, location and sector.
Career development
A .NET developer has many opportunities for career development, depending on his or her skills, aspirations and experience. Here are a few possible pathways:
Technical expertise
- Lead Tech: this role involves supervising a team of developers, planning and allocating tasks, providing technical support and monitoring projects.
- Architect: this role involves designing the architecture of applications and systems, by defining the technologies, tools and best practices to be used.
Management
- Technical Director (CTO): an experienced developer can move into management positions, where he or she will define the company’s technological strategy.
Specialisation in one field
- Mobile development: by specialising in Xamarin or MAUI, a developer can create cross-platform mobile applications using the same code for all platforms.
- Web development: with ASP.NET Core and Blazor, they can focus on creating modern web applications that adapt to different user screens (responsive).
- Data and artificial intelligence: by combining .NET with tools like ML.NET, they can specialise in data analysis and artificial intelligence (AI).
There are other career options, such as freelancing, which allows you to work independently and choose your projects, followed by teaching or training. The latter enables you to share your knowledge by training students or other developers wishing to move into Dot Net technologies or discover other Frameworks in the Dot Net ecosystem.
Sectors and companies recruiting .NET developers in Switzerland
In Switzerland, Dot Net technology specialists are highly sought-after in various sectors and types of company, due to their versatility and the high demand for efficient software solutions. Here are some sectors and companies currently recruiting in Switzerland:
- Banking and finance: Banks, insurance companies and financial institutions use .NET to develop management applications, stock market platforms and analysis tools. These include institutions such as UBS, Credit Suisse, Swiss Life and Zurich Insurance.
- IT services companies (SSII): Consulting firms recruit developers to work on customer projects in various sectors. A prime example: Qim info 😉
- Public administrations: Public administrations and government institutions recruit developers to set up internal applications and citizen portals. Examples: Swiss Confederation, cantons, local authorities.
In Switzerland, .NET developers benefit from a dynamic and diversified market, with opportunities in companies of all sizes and in a variety of sectors. Mastery of .NET, combined with skills in cloud (Azure) and project management methods (Agile), is particularly highly valued.
Why choose Qim info for your .NET development career?
Joining Qim info means much more than just joining a company: it’s about becoming part of a dynamic and innovative community. It also means having the opportunity to work in sectors such as banking, finance, insurance, industry and the public sector. Here are just a few reasons why software developers should choose Qim Info:
- Varied and stimulating projects: at Qim info, you’ll have the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects, from fintech solutions to healthcare applications, along with projects in the technology industry. This variety allows you to develop your skills in different areas and never get bored.
- A collaborative, caring work environment: one of Qim info’s strengths is its corporate culture. The emphasis is on collaboration, knowledge sharing and mutual support.
- Support for your career development: Qim info invests in its employees’ development. Whether through training, certification or mentoring opportunities, the company helps you achieve your professional goals. Whether you want to move into a leadership role or specialise in a particular technology, Qim info will support you on your journey.
- A stable, recognised company: Qim info offers its employees a stable working environment and long-term career prospects, thanks to its solid reputation in the IT services sector.
.NET development trends in 2025
- .NET 8/9/10 and beyond .NET: the ongoing evolution of .NET, with performance, security and new feature enhancements.
- Cloud Computing (Azure): migrating applications to the cloud and using Azure services.
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: integrating these technologies into .NET applications.
- Multi-platform application development with .Net MAUI (Multi-platform App UI)
- Microservices and containers
What’s the difference between .NET Framework, .NET Core and .NET 8/9/10?
- .NET Framework: the original version of .NET, for Windows only.
- .NET Core: a multiplatform, open source and modular version of .NET.
- .NET 8/9/10: the latest versions of .NET, bringing together the .NET Framework and .NET Core, offering a single platform for all types of applications. The latest versions can be viewed here.
