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Are you interested in a career as a web developer but are not sure how to start preparing for it? We have you covered!
Developers perform important roles in creating, testing, building and optimizing applications, software and computer systems. There are many developer types. Learning the differences between these types can help you discover the type of development you're most interested in pursuing. In this article, we explain what a developer is, list some of the most common developer types and offer tips for becoming a developer.
Get interview-ready with tips from Indeed
Prepare for interviews with practice questions and tips
What is a developer?
A developer is a technology professional who works on, builds and creates software, websites, applications and other systems. Often, developers require a knowledge of coding to write and debug source code for applications and software effectively. Developers often work with computers to write and execute code for various purposes. Because there are many developer types, certain developers might have specific skills related to their individual focus.
What are the types of developers?
There are many types of developers. Here's a closer look at some of the most common developer types:
1. Software developer
A software developer is someone who designs software and applications that helps users execute specific functions and tasks. They might work on modifying existing software or work to create new offerings. Software developers can also work on systems and networks, helping implement larger frameworks to support specific devices or technologies. Knowledge of coding and coding languages can help software develop candidates apply for specific opportunities. Some employers might also have education or experience requirements for developers in these roles.
Related: Learn About Being a Software Developer
2. Web developer
A web developer is someone who works on creating websites for organizations and individuals. They might work on front-end website elements, which are the parts a user sees, or back-end coding, which is the part that controls the primary operations of the site. Web developers often consider website aspects like layout, navigation and accessibility to create websites that meet client requirements and work well for users.
Related: Learn About Being a Web Developer
3. Back-end developer
A back-end developer is a technology professional that works on the back end of software, applications, programs and systems. The back-end refers to the server side of a program and it controls how systems work. Back-end developers can write code to create programs or change code to facilitate communication between databases and browsers. Back-end developers often write code using specific coding languages. The language they use can depend on the type of project they're working on and the project's function.
Related: Learn About Being a Back-End Developer
4. Front-end developer
A front-end developer works on the user side of an application, program, system or software. Their work helps facilitate successful user experiences. They might adjust the layout of a website, for example, or ensure a program is easy to use and navigate. By looking at programs and systems from a user's perspective, front-end developers can help design systems that meet user needs and operate successfully.
5. Full-stack developer
A full-stack developer is a developer that works on both the front end and back end of applications. This means they require knowledge of coding and of user activities. Full-stack developers often receive training that helps them build and create entire applications, programs or software.
Related: What Is a Full-Stack Developer and How To Become One
6. Game developer
A game developer is someone who works in video games. Their skills can help them create interactive experiences for users. Game developers might design and build mobile games, computer games, or games for specific operating systems or consoles.
Related: How To Become a Game Developer
7. Big data developer
A big data developer is someone who specializes in working with big data. Big data refers to large data sets. Usually, global or large-scale companies house and use big data using cloud storage systems. Developers might design, maintain or analyze the systems that house large data sets or stores. Developers who work with big data often use specific technologies and information libraries unique to big data.
Are you interested in a career as a web developer but are not sure how to start preparing for it? We have you covered!
Developers perform important roles in creating, testing, building and optimizing applications, software and computer systems. There are many developer types. Learning the differences between these types can help you discover the type of development you're most interested in pursuing. In this article, we explain what a developer is, list some of the most common developer types and offer tips for becoming a developer.
Get interview-ready with tips from Indeed
Prepare for interviews with practice questions and tips
What is a developer?
A developer is a technology professional who works on, builds and creates software, websites, applications and other systems. Often, developers require a knowledge of coding to write and debug source code for applications and software effectively. Developers often work with computers to write and execute code for various purposes. Because there are many developer types, certain developers might have specific skills related to their individual focus.
What are the types of developers?
There are many types of developers. Here's a closer look at some of the most common developer types:
1. Software developer
A software developer is someone who designs software and applications that helps users execute specific functions and tasks. They might work on modifying existing software or work to create new offerings. Software developers can also work on systems and networks, helping implement larger frameworks to support specific devices or technologies. Knowledge of coding and coding languages can help software develop candidates apply for specific opportunities. Some employers might also have education or experience requirements for developers in these roles.
Related: Learn About Being a Software Developer
2. Web developer
A web developer is someone who works on creating websites for organizations and individuals. They might work on front-end website elements, which are the parts a user sees, or back-end coding, which is the part that controls the primary operations of the site. Web developers often consider website aspects like layout, navigation and accessibility to create websites that meet client requirements and work well for users.
Related: Learn About Being a Web Developer
3. Back-end developer
A back-end developer is a technology professional that works on the back end of software, applications, programs and systems. The back-end refers to the server side of a program and it controls how systems work. Back-end developers can write code to create programs or change code to facilitate communication between databases and browsers. Back-end developers often write code using specific coding languages. The language they use can depend on the type of project they're working on and the project's function.
Related: Learn About Being a Back-End Developer
4. Front-end developer
A front-end developer works on the user side of an application, program, system or software. Their work helps facilitate successful user experiences. They might adjust the layout of a website, for example, or ensure a program is easy to use and navigate. By looking at programs and systems from a user's perspective, front-end developers can help design systems that meet user needs and operate successfully.
5. Full-stack developer
A full-stack developer is a developer that works on both the front end and back end of applications. This means they require knowledge of coding and of user activities. Full-stack developers often receive training that helps them build and create entire applications, programs or software.
Related: What Is a Full-Stack Developer and How To Become One
6. Game developer
A game developer is someone who works in video games. Their skills can help them create interactive experiences for users. Game developers might design and build mobile games, computer games, or games for specific operating systems or consoles.
Related: How To Become a Game Developer
7. Big data developer
A big data developer is someone who specializes in working with big data. Big data refers to large data sets. Usually, global or large-scale companies house and use big data using cloud storage systems. Developers might design, maintain or analyze the systems that house large data sets or stores. Developers who work with big data often use specific technologies and information libraries unique to big data.
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