The 9 Most Popular Forms of IT Software Development
The job market is now more competitive than ever before. And what is one of the most competitive jobs in the world? That of an IT software developer. It is often considered one of the best jobs due to the high salary and positive comments made by developers. Say you are considering becoming an IT software developer. If so, below are the nine key areas that you should get familiar with.
1) Web Development
This is a classic staple for coders of all ages and skill levels. Web development requires a great deal of coding. In fact, every web page you visit has gotten coded by a web developer. Web development can be easy for certain, basic sites. But it can also be very difficult on other websites. There are often many files that become interconnected on each web page. It takes a skilled developer to understand how to configure those files in the best manner.
Web development is now more popular than ever before. Why? Because new technologies have surfaced in recent years. One of them gets referred to as “APIs.” It stands for Application Programming Interfaces. APIs allow websites to use plug-ins. Web development popularity is also due to the evolution of web browsers. In the old days, browsers offered very little beyond being a place to input a website.
In other words, they featured nothing other than a URL bar. But nowadays, most browsers allow web developers to create apps. Users can download the apps and install them on their browsers.
A web developer should have a full understanding of:
- -Django
- -Ruby
- -HTML
- -Javascript
- -Python
- -PHP
- -Rails
- -ASP.NET
- -C
- -C++
2) Mobile Development
Mobile development has created jobs for many software developers over the last decade. This is, of course, due to the popularity of smartphones. App development and mobile development are two terms that mean the same thing. A mobile developer works on apps that can run on iPhones, Android phones, and other devices.
Most mainstream smartphone operating systems have their own unique programming language. This means that a mobile developer must have a superb understanding of the language. This needs to take place before developing an app. But keep in mind that some mobile operating systems use a more traditional language. Every application that is currently on your phone got created by a mobile developer. This includes games, social media platforms, and maps.
A mobile developer should have a full understanding of:
- -C#
- -Java
- -Android
- -HTML5
- -Swift (for iOS)
- -Objective C
3) Application Development
Some people get application development confused with mobile development. Application development existed decades before mobile development did. It is a form of programming that involves computers instead of smartphones. Application developers do their work on standard desktop operating systems. These include Mac, Linux, and Windows systems. An application developer handles developing popular computer programs that people use.
An application developer should have a full understanding of:
- -Python
- -C++
- -Java
- -C#
- -VB.NET
- -C
4) Data Science
Becoming an expert in data science is no easy task. Data scientists are able to analyze large amounts of data. They then determine the value that exists in the information. An analytical mind is all but required to become a successful data scientist. One must learn how to turn tons of information into insights in which people can take action. There are three main job responsibilities:
- Crunching tons of numbers and information.
- Using cluster-computing techniques.
- Creating a scientific application. That application’s based on what the data scientist determines at the end of the process.
Data scientists ensure that the data they analyze can get used by AI applications. In other words, data scientists study how devices and computers think. This is, of course, artificial intelligence at work. These days, machines have the ability to learn. But that wouldn’t be possible if scientists weren’t feeding the machine’s information.
A data scientist should have a full understanding of:
- -C
- -C++
- -Python
- -MATLAB
5) API Development
What does API stand for? It is an abbreviation of “Application Programming Interfaces.” API development focuses on:
- -creating a foundation for common procedures
- -establishing specific methods
- -putting GUI interaction methods in place
- -conveying database access rules that programmers need
- -putting certain tools in place
API development assists third-party developers. Third-party developers need the tools that the API developer recommends. API development can apply to the web, desktop, and mobile operating systems.
An API developer should have a full understanding of:
- -certain functions
- -certain platforms
- -the programming language that relates to the specific entity getting designed
6) Back-End Development
Back-end IT developers work behind the scenes. Why? To ensure that the front-end program is running well. Otherwise, the software will crash. The back-end is often referred to as the “server-side.” This is the section of a website in which data gets stored. The server side often contains three factors:
- -the database
- -the server
- -an application
If you want to be a back-end developer, you’ve got to know how databases work. You should also learn about architecture and the languages of server programming. Say you are using an application but it is always crashing. Or, say the application is very slow. Either way, the root cause is almost always a problem with the back-end.
Back-end development and database management go hand-in-hand. Database management involves controlling big pieces of data for any system. Let’s use Facebook as an example. Well over 1,000,000,000 user profiles must get organized on a routine basis. Whose responsibility is this? The back-end developer employed by Facebook.
A back-end developer should have a full understanding of:
- -C
- -C++
- -dBase
- -Python
- -Oracle
- -Java
- -(my)SQL
7) Software Tool Development
A software tool developer usually does not develop software for consumers. Instead, a tool developer creates tools for other developers to use. The developers on the receiving end use the tools to test their coding. Tool development ensures that the code meets the standards of the particular industry. Otherwise, routine maintenance cannot take place.
Large corporations such as Google and Microsoft work with many software tool developers. Why? For testing purposes. A new initiative cannot get off the ground until the tools are 110% developed. This is by way of on-the-go testing procedures.
A software tool developer should have a full understanding of:
- -C++
- -Java
- -Python
8) Embedded Systems Development
Embedded systems developers are in greater need than ever before. Why is this the case? It’s because of the rise of the Internet of Things. More and more common products are getting connected to the internet. It’s an embedded systems developer’s role to ensure each product works online. And it must take place in a seamless manner. This requires a lot of knowledge about coding. This means an embedded systems developer should have proficient knowledge about:
- -Beaglebones
- -Raspberry Pi’s
- -Arduinos
An embedded systems developer should have a full understanding of:
- -Embedded C
- -Arduino
- -Java
- -Python
- -Assembler
9) Security Software Development
Security software development involves a concept you may be somewhat familiar with. It’s called hacking. Believe it or not, many companies must have hackers as employees. Why? To ensure that the software is secure and stays secure.
There are different job titles for security software developers. Some get called “cyber-security experts.” Others get referred to as “white hat” (ethical) hackers. Both of these roles make sure that all data and systems are 110% secure. Otherwise, other hackers could access a company’s assets or unleash a virus.
Most companies work with a “penetration tester.” He or she handles doing test-hacks. These tests take place before the new software launches. The penetration tester looks for weak points in which data can get compromised. This testing is crucial to the success of any software. It prevents big problems from taking place, such as having private data stolen.
A security software developer should have a full understanding of:
- -the programming language that applies to the system getting tested
The Importance of the Testing Phase During Software Development
Testing is crucial to the success of any form of the software development process. Many IT experts view testing as the most important phase. Sure, it’s where the software gets checked for bugs. But that’s not the only reason that testing is important. It also focuses on whether the software can perform well for users. It’s crucial to make sure all software runs great before the delivery to users.
A lot of the testing phases focus on verifying a product’s functions. Expert testers get brought in to do this. They ensure that the software performs as the developer wants it to. That’s why a software requirements analysis document is worth having. It gives testers the general framework for analyzing performance. Each tester validates each individual software component.
This can take some time, but the wait is worth it. You don’t want to risk releasing an inferior product that requires tons of updates. The testers will inform a developer of any defects that exist. Programmers can then correct the coding. More tests should then take place until the software is 100% free of bugs and problems.