Get the low-down on the job of Software Developer

Understanding the role of a Software Developer

In this article, we’ll take a look at the human side of this stimulating profession, while maintaining a technical approach.

Main tasks

When we think of this profession, we often imagine someone who spends their days writing lines of code. Although that is indeed part of the job, a developer’s responsibilities go far beyond that. Here’s a closer look at what they actually do:

1. Analyse and understand the technical and functional specifics of projects: a developer needs to understand what users or customers expect before even starting to code. This involves discussion, research and sometimes even creativity, to come up with innovative solutions that keep all parties satisfied.
2. Write “clean”, efficient code: code is not just a series of words, but a language that must be clear, understandable and maintainable. A good developer writes code that can be understood and modified by others, because software projects are constantly evolving. To achieve this, developers use the KISS method (Keep It Simple, Stupid!). In other words, code must be capable of being read even by someone who’s unfamiliar with the programming language used.
3. Testing and debugging: imagine you’re building a house, and you don’t want it to collapse the first time the rains come. Software testing is a bit like safety inspections: the point is to make sure everything is working as planned. And when there are problems (which is always the case), the developer has to identify the parts of the code that are at the root of the problem and solve them. This sometimes requires a lot of patience and perseverance.
4. Collaborate with other teams: software development is generally a team effort. Developers work with UX/UI designers, project managers, testers (QA) and other developers, preferably in close contact with customers and users. Good communication skills are therefore essential.
5. Maintaining and improving existing software: even once software has been launched, the work isn’t over. Developers have to update it, fix bugs and add new features to meet changing user needs.
6. Optimising application performance and security: developers need to ensure that software runs quickly and efficiently, while protecting against cyber-attacks.
7. Keep tabs on the technology: in this field, what you learn today may be obsolete in three years’ time. It’s essential to keep up to date, and that means training, certifications, meetups, hackathons, etc.

Skills required

Being a developer isn’t just about mastering a programming language. It’s a profession that requires both technical and human skills. Here are just a few of the qualities you need to be a developer:

• Curiosity and constant learning: technology evolves at lightning speed. A good developer must be ready to learn new tools, languages (Python, JavaScript, Java, C#, PHP etc.) and methods throughout his or her career.
• Problem solving: every project is like a puzzle that requires solving. Developers need to be able to think logically and creatively to find effective solutions.
• Teamwork: Although the stereotype of the solitary developer persists, the reality is that most projects require close collaboration with other professionals. To facilitate collaboration, more and more development teams are employing the agile method, led by a Scrum Master.
• Adaptability: Projects change, priorities evolve, and customers may have demands that you did not foresee. Developers need to be flexible and able to adapt quickly.
• Technical mastery: Of course, knowledge of programming languages, databases (SQL, MongoDB, Firebase, etc.), frameworks and development tools is essential. But what really counts is the ability to apply this knowledge, to solve real-life problems.

The different types of Software Developers

Full stack

The Full Stack developer is an expert who is able to work on both the Front-End and the Back-End. They have an all-encompassing understanding of software development and can conduct operations at every stage of a project, from design to production. This versatility makes them an invaluable asset for companies, especially in small teams where resources are limited.

The key skills of a Full Stack developer include:

• Proficiency in front-end technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, frameworks).
• Back-end expertise (programming languages, databases, APIs).
• The ability to understand the entire software development cycle.
• The ability to solve complex problems by combining a variety of skills.

The Full Stack developer is often regarded as the ‘Swiss Army knife’ of development, able to adapt to different needs and work on a variety of projects.

Front end

The Front-End developer is responsible for everything the user sees and interacts with on a website or application. They focus on the design and development of the user interface (UI), using technologies such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Their main aim is to make the user experience (UX) fluid, intuitive and visually appealing.

The key skills of a Front-End developer include:

• HTML/CSS: To structure and style web pages.
• JavaScript: To add interactive features.
• Front-End Frameworks: Such as React, Angular or Vue.js, to create dynamic, high-performance interfaces.
• Responsive design: To ensure that websites adapt to different devices (computers, tablets, smartphones).

Back end

The Back-End developer works behind the scenes to ensure that everything runs smoothly. They are responsible for business logic, database management and communication between the server and the user interface. In other words, they take care of everything that the user doesn’t see, but which is essential for the smooth running of an application.

The key skills of a Back-End developer include:

• Programming languages: such as Python, Java, Ruby, PHP or Node.js.
• Databases: MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, etc., to store and manage data.
• API: Creation and management of programming interfaces, to enable communication between the different parts of an application.
• Security: Implementing measures to protect data and systems.

The Back-End developer is therefore the engine that powers the applications, guaranteeing their performance, security and scalability.

How much do Software Developers earn?

A developer’s salary varies depending on their experience, skills and location. In Switzerland, for example, developers enjoy particularly attractive salaries.

> Beginner: a junior developer can expect a gross annual salary of between CHF 70,000 and 90,000.
> Intermediate: With a few years’ experience under their belt, salaries can rise to between CHF 90,000 and 120,000.
> Senior: Experienced developers or those specialising in fields such as artificial intelligence, banking or cybersecurity can earn up to CHF 150,000 or more.

These figures also vary depending on company and sector. Large technology companies and banks often offer higher salaries.

Training to become a Software Developer

There are many ways to become a developer, from academic training to self-taught courses and certifications:

• University studies: a degree in computer science, software engineering or mathematics is often required to enter this profession. In Switzerland, universities such as EPFL and the University of Zurich offer top-level training.
• Specialised schools: some schools, such as engineering schools or private schools specialising in IT, offer courses focusing on software development.
• Bootcamps: programming bootcamps are intensive training courses, often lasting a few months, which enable you to acquire practical skills quickly.
• Self-taught: Thanks to the many online resources (tutorials, courses, forums) available, it’s possible to learn to code on your own. However, this requires a great deal of discipline and motivation.
• Certifications: certifications such as the ones offered by Google, Microsoft, Oracle and AWS can strengthen a CV and prove that you have specific skills in a programming language.

What kind of career prospects do Software Developers have?

One of the most attractive aspects of the profession of Software Developer is the diversity of career opportunities on offer. You can move into video games, mobile applications, artificial intelligence or cybersecurity. Here are a few examples of possible career paths:

• Junior developer: this is often the starting point, where you learn the basics and work on simple tasks under the supervision of more experienced developers.
• Senior developer: once you’ve picked up some experience, you can take charge of more complex projects, supervise juniors and play a greater role in technical decisions.
• Specialist or expert: You can choose to specialise in a specific field, such as mobile development, artificial intelligence or cloud computing.
• Project leader or manager: If you like organising and coordinating, you can move into management roles, where you supervise teams and/or projects.
• Freelance or entrepreneur: Some developers choose to work for themselves, offering their services to a variety of customers or creating their own products.

Companies recruiting Software Developers in Switzerland

Switzerland is a particularly attractive country for software developers, thanks to its dynamic economy and innovative companies. Here are just a few examples of companies that recruit regularly:

Why choose Qim info for your Software Developer career?

To join Qim info is to do much more than just join a company: it’s to become 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, as well as 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 the development of its employees. 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.

Jobs related to Software Developer

Software development is a vast field, and several professions are closely linked to it:

• DevOps engineer: combines development and operations, to optimise processes.
• Data Scientist: analyses data and extracts useful information.
• Software tester (QA): checks the quality of software by running tests, sometimes even by using erroneous data to see how the software reacts.
• System administrator: manages IT infrastructures.

In conclusion, becoming a Software Developer means having an exciting and constantly evolving career. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced software developer, opportunities abound, particularly in Switzerland, where companies like Qim Info offer attractive working conditions. If you’re ready to take on the challenges of this profession, a career in software development could be the ideal path for you.