2022 Developer Roles Defined

Wondering about the difference between a software developer vs software engineer?

What about coder vs programmer?

What’s a computer scientist, an architect, or a hacker?

Programmer

The foundational unit of operation, the programmer or coder role is simply writing instructions to get a computer to do what you want. This is my favorite mode, as you can get into the zone

Software Developer

This mode is likely the most rewarding role, but it comes with some trade-offs. You are working at a higher level than just programming, as you are linking in some third-party services or libraries.

Software Engineer

There isn’t really a universal definition of a software engineer. For me, software engineer is the role you assume when thinking about a system as a whole, how it is built, ways of working, and its ability to deliver value/solve a problem.

Hacker

Many people think that a hacker is someone who hacks into systems and exploits them for their own gain, but the original meaning is far less sinister. Traditionally, a hacker is someone who hacks things together in a way that is unintended, unexpected, or novel.

DevOps Engineer

The merging of dev and ops has brought many benefits over the past few years. At its crux, it is the development of automated, codified, and repeatable IT infrastructure to get rid of the monthly Friday-night-running-into-the-weekend-release stories of old

Data scientist

While DS is the current hottest trend in tech, it is actually a well-established role that takes its routes from a mix of research, business, and programming. A DS is usually brought in to find answers to questions that a human can’t from data

Computer scientist

Computer science is the branch of study we most often associate with software development, though its relation to the day-to-day role is often limited as it focuses on fundamentals rather than application.

Architect

An architect is seen by some as the pinnacle of a career in software development. Here, you work at an incredibly high level (which is just a fancy way of saying vague!), aligning IT structure with the business’s strategic needs.

Tester / QA

Testers are vital for any team developing software. Contrary to how they are seen by many developers, software testers are not simply bug catchers. They use tools to make sure the software does what it should, every time it runs.

Designer

A designer sets the look and feel of the company and its visual representation. Much of the work follows on from the branding of the organization.

UI Designer

User interface designers maintain the look and feel of the product, making sure it feels modern, aligns with the company’s brand and design guidelines, and engages users.

UX Designer

User experience design is the other side of the coin to UI & the two are extensively linked with a positive feedback loop between them. UX is about making sure a product is usable and creates a positive experience for users that aligns with business objectives.

Wrap up

This has been a whistle-stop tour of some of the roles in technology, want more like this then make sure to follow or even head over to allthecode.co to learn more about software development.

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