What Do Applications Software Developers Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

Applications Software Developers develop, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions. Design software or customize software for client use with the aim of optimizing operational efficiency. May analyze and design databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team. May supervise computer programmers. They also modify existing software to correct errors, allow it to adapt to new hardware, or to improve its performance.

Other tasks include:

• Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.
• Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design system and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces.
• Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.
• Design, develop and modify software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcome and consequences of design.
• Develop and direct software system testing and validation procedures, programming, and documentation.
• Consult with customers about software system design and maintenance.

We asked Applications Software Developers how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

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57% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 29% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Applications Software Developers store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements. They analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan computer specifications and layouts, and peripheral equipment modifications.

A typical day for an Applications Software Developer will also include:

• Develop and direct software system testing and validation procedures, programming, and documentation.
• Modify existing software to correct errors, allow it to adapt to new hardware, or to improve its performance.
• Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design system and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces.
• Design, develop and modify software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcome and consequences of design.
• Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.

We asked some Applications Software Developers a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

	Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job?	23% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	32% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	43% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	8% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	0% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	35% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Applications Software Developers also consult with customers about software system design and maintenance. They may also determine system performance standards.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Applications Software Developers Train users to use new or modified equipment. They might also Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.

In addition, they Coordinate software system installation and monitor equipment functioning to ensure specifications are met.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Design, develop and modify software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcome and consequences of design.

To some Applications Software Developers, it is also their responsibility to Modify existing software to correct errors, allow it to adapt to new hardware, or to improve its performance.

Working life

Standard 40 hour work week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as an Applications Software Developer, you can expect to work 40 hour work week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally..

They also like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

Explore other careers

http://www.bls.gov/OOH/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm

http://www.comptia.org/

http://www.iccp.org/

http://www.coeforict.org/