Programmers vs. Developers
If you’re interested in the technology sector, you’ve probably heard of programmers and developers before. Both terms are used interchangeably, however, they describe very different professions.
To understand each role in depth, we need to understand the relationship between them. Let’s take a look at what the differences and similarities are between programmers and developers, including compensation, job requirements and more.
What is a programmer?
A programmer is a professional who writes or creates code for computer applications or software. He or she is the one who provides specific instructions related to programming.
This professional profile has to actively think of solutions, before they start coding. They have a solid experience in coding and computing in several programming languages such as: SQL, PHP, HTML, JAVA, XML, C and C++.
The programmer has the advantage of being an expert in multiple fields such as databases, web development, security development etc. Depending on their programming skills and areas of expertise, they may choose to specialize as application programmers, systems programmers, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning or video game programmers.
They use multiple programming languages to do trial/error testing and ensure that the code is functional.
What is a developer?
A developer, popularly known as a software developer or software coder, has many roles, such as being in charge of creating computer applications by writing, debugging and executing the source code in a computer application.
Unlike programmers, developers specialize in a specific set of programming languages. They are involved in the structure and development of software kernels to create software programs.
As with programmers, depending on their specialization, they may work as application developers, software developers, web developers or mobile developers.
Although it is most common for a developer to write code, they can also perform other tasks related to documentation, design, software architecture or general software development.
While it is true that there can be confusion with both professions, it is because their functions or the work processes of a software developer and those of a programmer sometimes overlap.
Both use specialized software to organize and ensure data security and recovery. However, the developer has to verify the compatibility of the systems and thus ensure that they run smoothly.
How to excel as a programmer
As we have already mentioned, the programmer must know how to write code in a clear and logical way. But if you are also looking to stand out from the crowd, you must also be able to read and edit other people’s code.
Having the ability to review existing code gives you the opportunity to understand what works and what is going wrong. This information is invaluable if you are updating the application that someone else has put in place.
But not only that, if you have to read another programmer’s code, this can encourage you to learn new languages and see how they interact.
However, we should not focus exclusively on the technical aspects, knowing how to work in a team will be essential, as well as maintaining a positive attitude in the face of failures, learning from mistakes and constantly updating your knowledge.
How to stand out as a developer
To be a good web developer, you need to be a good programmer. Even if a software developer has extensive experience, he must always update his coding skills to remain the best.
But we should not forget that, it is also essential to have project management and social skills.
Differences between developers and programmers
Although most of the tasks of a programmer and a developer are closely related, both job profiles and career options are very different.
A programmer must handle coding languages such as SQL, JAVA, Microsoft C#, .Net Programming and JavaScript.
Whereas, a web developer has to control other languages such as JavaScript, jQuery, web application development or HTML5.
Although there is sometimes some overlap in skills between the two, companies look for precisely those differences when hiring. Their interpersonal skills, good communication skills and willingness to work as part of a team.
Programmers can choose to become a programming analyst, SAS programmer, systems programmer, mainframe developer or .Net programmer.
One has fewer responsibilities, the other more
The responsibility of each is another key to determining the difference between a programmer and a developer . A web programmer is responsible for coding a page or digital project. But the other aspects of that are not your responsibility.
Obviously, you can help with the implementation and work as a team to make things work well, but your job is to get the code right. When writing them it uses a programming language, Python is one of the most used and with the best salaries for programmers .
The developer is responsible for ensuring , however , all aspects of the project run smoothly . His responsibility is broader than any other specific task, even if he is not directly responsible for it. This is why testing and maintenance are so important, as is initial project planning.
The difference between a programmer and a software developer
In a nutshell, the key difference between a programmer and a developer is the scope of their work. Programmers, while competent in their craft, have a more limited scope of work than developers . A software developer is involved in the entire scope of a project, while a programmer is usually limited to coding.
What is the difference between a developer and a programmer on a resume?
It’s good to think of software developers as project managers who can code, while programmers are technical specialists. Comparing developer and programmer , a software developer should be able to code as well as a programmer , but their main job is to find ways to solve problems. To do this, they must figure out what the problems are and then develop a technical basis for solving them.
Programmers, on the other hand, are all about the code . Your job is to take the specifications provided by the developer , and turn them into a working application. To do this, they translate the developer’s company’s ideas into a language that the computer can understand and comprehend.
Which positions can do more than the developer?
Programmer vs. Developer: do more
You may remember that a programmer is like a competent cook, and a software developer is like a chef. But what if you want someone to create and lead a team that brings an amazing restaurant menu to life day in and day out? Then you’ll need someone with a number of additional skills.
And just like that, there comes a time when you will need someone other than a software developer . That person will be a programmer engineer , someone who can manage the whole process of developing and creating business applications.
Programmer . works in just that: in the development They create and develop functional programs. Instead, a programmer engineer works to implement various software development into computer software principles . Similar, but not the same. Software engineers may participate in software development , but rarely does someone trained in software engineering address software development .