JOB PROFILE
SOFTWARE DEVELOPER (M/F/D)
WHAT IS A SOFTWARE DEVELOPER?
Software developers work with various programming languages, such as Java, Python, C# or PHP. They use various tools and methods to create, test, improve and maintain the code. They also have to comply with the existing software architecture and ensure that their software solutions can be well integrated and adapted to the existing environment.
Software developers are in demand in many industries and areas. They can work in software companies that offer customized solutions for various needs. But they can also work as freelancers and realize their own projects. They must constantly keep up to date with the latest technology and undergo further training to keep pace with changing requirements. Good communication and teamswork skills are also essential in the role to work with other developers as well as clients.
Software developers are the bridge builders of the digital world. They combine the requirements of business processes with customized software solutions and create innovative products that make life easier, more exciting and more enjoyable.
Software Developer
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SOFTWARE DEVELOPER TASKS: THIS IS WHAT YOUR DAY-TO-DAY WORK LOOKS LIKE
But that's not all: software developers also need to understand mathematical and technical data structures in order to quickly develop adequate solutions to problems within software systems.
The tasks of a software developer include, among other things:
► Analyzing the requirements and creating concepts for the software solution
► The selection of suitable technologies and frameworks for development, e.g. NodeJS, React Native or Django
► Implementation of the software modules and integration into the overall system
► The implementation of tests and bug fixes
► The documentation of the software solution and the creation of user manuals
► Maintaining and updating the software solution
► Ensuring the quality, security and user-friendliness of the software solution
Requirements management: the basis for a successful software solution
Development of software architecture and source code using modern methods and tools
The software developer now defines the foundation together with a programmer and determines the appropriate components of a software system based on the software architecture. These tasks represent a major challenge, as subsequent changes can only be implemented with a great deal of effort. The choice of software architecture must therefore be made carefully with regard to modifiability, maintainability, security and performance. The next step in this area is to implement the software architecture using selected programming languages. Programming languages such as Java, C++ and PHP as well as Perl, Cobol, Pascal or Ruby on Rails are mainly used here.
Testing as an indispensable part of the software development process
Implementation and installation of the software, taking into account security and user-friendliness
SOFTWARE DEVELOPER SALARY: WHAT DO YOU EARN AS A SOFTWARE DEVELOPER?
The academic degree also plays a role in the salary of software developers. If you have a Master's degree, you can expect a higher salary than someone with a diploma from a university of applied sciences or a Bachelor's degree. In the public sector, a Master's degree is also mandatory.
The specialization in demand is also decisive for potential employers. Software developers can then expect a higher salary. If you take on more responsibility and team leadership as your career progresses, you can earn an average annual gross salary of up to 100,000 euros as a manager.
IT Salary Report
Our IT Salary Report provides an overview of the current salaries of specialists and managers in the IT sectors of German companies.
SOFTWARE DEVELOPER TRAINING: HOW CAN I BECOME A SOFTWARE DEVELOPER?
The profession of mathematical-technical software developer (MATSE) is a state-recognized apprenticeship in Germany, which is completed as part of a dual training program. This three-year apprenticeship combines practical work in a company with studies at a university of applied sciences or university of cooperative education. The tasks include the development, programming, testing and documentation of software solutions for various application areas such as industry, business, science and administration. To start the apprenticeship, you need a solid secondary school leaving certificate or A-levels, good grades in mathematics, computer science and English and an interest in technical and logical contexts.
The profession of mathematical-technical software developer (MATSE) is a state-recognized apprenticeship in Germany, which is completed as part of a dual training program. This three-year apprenticeship combines practical work in a company with studies at a university of applied sciences or university of cooperative education. The tasks include the development, programming, testing and documentation of software solutions for various application areas such as industry, business, science and administration. To start the apprenticeship, you need a solid secondary school leaving certificate or A-levels, good grades in mathematics, computer science and English and an interest in technical and logical contexts.
The IT specialist for application development is a recognized training occupation in Germany, which is carried out as part of a dual training program. The three-year apprenticeship combines practical work in a company with school-based training at a vocational college. Activities include the analysis, planning, development, programming, testing and documentation of software solutions for various application areas such as web applications, databases, games and mobile apps. The requirements for the apprenticeship are a solid secondary school certificate or high school diploma, good grades in mathematics, computer science and English as well as an interest in creative and innovative solutions.
The IT specialist for application development is a recognized training occupation in Germany, which is carried out as part of a dual training program. The three-year apprenticeship combines practical work in a company with school-based training at a vocational college. Activities include the analysis, planning, development, programming, testing and documentation of software solutions for various application areas such as web applications, databases, games and mobile apps. The requirements for the apprenticeship are a solid secondary school certificate or high school diploma, good grades in mathematics, computer science and English as well as an interest in creative and innovative solutions.
The assistant for electronics and data technology is a state-certified vocational qualification in Germany that can be acquired as part of a school-based training program. This two-year apprenticeship takes place at a vocational college and includes the installation, configuration, maintenance and repair of electronic devices and systems as well as the development, programming and testing of software solutions for various application areas such as automation technology, communication technology and robotics. The requirements for the apprenticeship are a solid secondary school leaving certificate, good grades in mathematics, physics and computer science and an interest in technical and practical tasks.
The assistant for electronics and data technology is a state-certified vocational qualification in Germany that can be acquired as part of a school-based training program. This two-year apprenticeship takes place at a vocational college and includes the installation, configuration, maintenance and repair of electronic devices and systems as well as the development, programming and testing of software solutions for various application areas such as automation technology, communication technology and robotics. The requirements for the apprenticeship are a solid secondary school leaving certificate, good grades in mathematics, physics and computer science and an interest in technical and practical tasks.
The academic path: studying to become a software developer
Studying computer science is an academic route to becoming a software developer. In a computer science degree course, you learn the basics of computer science, such as algorithms, data structures, programming languages, operating systems, databases, artificial intelligence or software engineering. A computer science degree course can be completed at a university or university of applied sciences and usually lasts six to eight semesters (Bachelor) or four to six semesters (Master). The prerequisites for studying computer science are a good Abitur, good grades in mathematics, computer science and English as well as an interest in logical and abstract problems.
The top 3 universities according to the CHE Ranking 2023 for Computer Science in Germany:
- Technical University of Munich (TUM)
- Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU)
- Berlin University of Technology (TU Berlin)
Studying computer science is an academic route to becoming a software developer. In a computer science degree course, you learn the basics of computer science, such as algorithms, data structures, programming languages, operating systems, databases, artificial intelligence or software engineering. A computer science degree course can be completed at a university or university of applied sciences and usually lasts six to eight semesters (Bachelor) or four to six semesters (Master). The prerequisites for studying computer science are a good Abitur, good grades in mathematics, computer science and English as well as an interest in logical and abstract problems.
The top 3 universities according to the CHE Ranking 2023 for Computer Science in Germany:
- Technical University of Munich (TUM)
- Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU)
- Berlin University of Technology (TU Berlin)
A software engineering degree program is an academic way to become a software developer. In a software engineering degree program, you learn the methods and techniques of software development, such as requirements analysis, software architecture, software quality, software testing, software project management or software tools. A software engineering degree course can be completed at a university or university of applied sciences and usually lasts six to eight semesters (Bachelor) or four to six semesters (Master). The requirements for a software engineering degree are a good Abitur, good grades in mathematics, computer science and English as well as an interest in practical and creative solutions.
The top 3 universities according to the CHE Ranking 2023 for Software Engineering in Germany:
- Technical University of Munich (TUM)
- RWTH Aachen
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
A software engineering degree program is an academic way to become a software developer. In a software engineering degree program, you learn the methods and techniques of software development, such as requirements analysis, software architecture, software quality, software testing, software project management or software tools. A software engineering degree course can be completed at a university or university of applied sciences and usually lasts six to eight semesters (Bachelor) or four to six semesters (Master). The requirements for a software engineering degree are a good Abitur, good grades in mathematics, computer science and English as well as an interest in practical and creative solutions.
The top 3 universities according to the CHE Ranking 2023 for Software Engineering in Germany:
- Technical University of Munich (TUM)
- RWTH Aachen
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
Studying electrical engineering is an academic route to becoming a software developer. In an electrical engineering degree course, you learn the basics of electronics and electrical engineering, such as circuits, components, measurement technology, control engineering, microcontrollers or digital signal processing. An electrical engineering degree can be completed at a university or university of applied sciences and usually takes six to eight semesters (Bachelor) or four to six semesters (Master). The prerequisites for studying electrical engineering are a good Abitur, good grades in mathematics, physics and computer science as well as an interest in technical and experimental tasks.
The top 3 universities according to the CHE Ranking 2023 for Electrical Engineering in Germany:
- Technical University of Munich (TUM)
- RWTH Aachen
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
Studying electrical engineering is an academic route to becoming a software developer. In an electrical engineering degree course, you learn the basics of electronics and electrical engineering, such as circuits, components, measurement technology, control engineering, microcontrollers or digital signal processing. An electrical engineering degree can be completed at a university or university of applied sciences and usually takes six to eight semesters (Bachelor) or four to six semesters (Master). The prerequisites for studying electrical engineering are a good Abitur, good grades in mathematics, physics and computer science as well as an interest in technical and experimental tasks.
The top 3 universities according to the CHE Ranking 2023 for Electrical Engineering in Germany:
- Technical University of Munich (TUM)
- RWTH Aachen
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
FURTHER TRAINING AS A SOFTWARE DEVELOPER
Junior software developer or senior: your chances on the job market
Whether in the IT department of a chemical or automotive company, at an insurance company or within a public authority: The opportunities for entry and promotion are currently almost unlimited. Software developers are also currently in high demand in research and development at state-funded institutions.
Freelance career as a software developer: the advantages of remote work
A freelance career as a software developer offers many exciting and fulfilling opportunities. To be successful, you need the right skills, projects and attitude. As a freelancer, you have the freedom to shape your own work by choosing the time, place and conditions that suit you. You can also specialize in the topics you are most passionate about. You can benefit from a large market of potential clients who are looking for competent and flexible developers. A special form of freelance work is remote work, which allows you to work from anywhere you have a good internet connection. Remote work has many advantages for both sides, the freelancer and the client. For example:
► You can adapt your working hours to your own rhythm and be more flexible.
► You can save money and time by not having to commute.
► You can create an optimal working environment that suits you and promotes productivity.
► You can have more time for your family, friends or hobbies.
However, remote work also requires some adjustments, such as team communication, self-motivation, work-life balance and technical support. These adjustments can be managed as a software developer with the right tools, strategies and mindset. Therefore, remote work offers a great opportunity to utilize your skills, advance your career and enrich your life.
What hard and soft skills do software developers need?
A software developer should have knowledge of computer science in general and the most important programming languages in particular. These include languages such as Java, JavaScript, PHP, Ruby and Python.
Another area is the analysis and evaluation of processes. These specialists should have extremely good time management skills in order to be able to implement projects according to plan. A good command of English is also one of the necessary skills, as are the following:
► Team and communication skills
► Assertiveness
► Analytical thinking
► Problem-solving skills
► Resilience and flexibility
► Desire for continuous further training
Find your next challenge or employee with Hays
In our pool of companies and applicant profiles, we quickly find the right match. We compare qualifications, requirements and personalities with the company values. As soon as we realize that there is a match, we make contact with you. If the interview is successful and both parties realize that the chemistry is right, the general conditions are agreed with us. Shape the future of your career with us.
FAQs
Software developers are responsible for the creation, testing and documentation of software solutions. They develop application programs that perform specific functions or tasks, as well as system software that enables the operation of computers or networks. They can also adapt existing standard software to the specific needs and requirements of a company, which is known as customizing.
Software developers are responsible for the creation, testing and documentation of software solutions. They develop application programs that perform specific functions or tasks, as well as system software that enables the operation of computers or networks. They can also adapt existing standard software to the specific needs and requirements of a company, which is known as customizing.
Software developers can earn different salaries depending on their qualifications and experience. The average software developer salary in Germany is €63,262 gross per year. The average entry-level salary is 42,000 euros and senior/management positions can earn up to 100,000 euros.
A (university) degree in computer science and therefore at least a Bachelor of Science degree is expected. In addition to theoretical know-how, software developers should have practical experience and specialisations. There is also the opportunity to become a software developer through further training and state-recognised training courses.
A (university) degree in computer science and therefore at least a Bachelor of Science degree is expected. In addition to theoretical know-how, software developers should have practical experience and specialisations. There is also the opportunity to become a software developer through further training and state-recognised training courses.
