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Types of Software Development Jobs Table of contents: Software Career Guide

Less common software development jobs

So far, we’ve looked at front-end development, back-end development, and mobile development. However, the scope of software development extends beyond these three main spheres and offers a wealth of further job opportunities for individuals with varying interests, skills, and backgrounds. From emerging technologies to legacy platforms, and from data-driven roles to ERP and test automation, there are lots of niche opportunities in the ever-changing software development landscape.

Emerging Technologies

As technology advances, new fields and opportunities arise, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in software development. Some emerging technologies (and their related jobs) to keep an eye on include:

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): AI and ML are revolutionizing various industries, from healthcare to finance. AI developers and ML developers work with algorithms and models to enable machines to learn and make decisions without human intervention. Languages like Python and R, and frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch, are commonly used in AI and ML development.
  • Blockchain: Blockchain technology, the foundation of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, has had a huge influx of interest in recent years. Developers working with blockchain create decentralized, secure, and transparent systems for various applications. Familiarity with languages like Solidity, C++, and JavaScript, as well as blockchain platforms like Ethereum, is essential in this field.
  • Internet of Things (IoT): IoT involves connecting everyday objects and devices to the internet, enabling them to collect, analyze, and share data. IoT developers work on embedded systems, networking, and data processing, using languages like C, C++, and Python, as well as specialized platforms and tools.

Older Technologies

While some older technologies may seem obsolete, they still play a vital role in many industries and continue to offer job opportunities for skilled developers:

  • COBOL: Used extensively in legacy systems in industries like finance, government, and insurance, COBOL is a programming language that just won’t quit. COBOL developers maintain and modernize these systems, ensuring their continued stability and performance.
  • Mainframe: Mainframe computers are still used by many large organizations for their reliability, security, and processing power. Mainframe developers work with languages like COBOL, PL/I, and Assembler, as well as tools and platforms like IBM z/OS, CICS, and DB2.

ERP Developers and Consultants

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems help organizations manage and optimize their business processes. ERP developers and consultants work with platforms like SAP, Oracle, and Microsoft Dynamics to create, customize, and implement solutions tailored to an organization’s needs.

ERP developers must be proficient in programming languages like ABAP (for SAP) or PL/SQL (for Oracle), as well as specific ERP modules and functionalities. Consultants, on the other hand, focus on understanding business processes and requirements, configuring the ERP system, and providing guidance and support during implementation and beyond. Some consultants come from a business or management background, however many consultants come from a software development background and progress from being ERP developers to ERP consultants.

Data-Related Roles

With the exponential growth of data, roles related to data management, processing, and analysis have become increasingly important in the software development landscape:

  • Data Scientists: Data scientists use advanced statistical techniques, machine learning, and programming to extract valuable insights from large datasets. They need a strong background in mathematics and statistics, as well as proficiency in languages like Python, R, and SQL.
  • Data Engineers: Data engineers build and maintain the infrastructure required to process, store, and analyze large volumes of data. They work with tools and platforms like Hadoop, Spark, and NoSQL databases and need skills in programming languages like Python, Java, and Scala.
  • Data Analysts: Data analysts gather, process, and interpret data to support decision-making in organizations. They work with tools like Excel, SQL, and data visualization software and need a solid understanding of statistics, data manipulation, and data visualization techniques.

Software Test Automation

As software systems grow in size and complexity, ensuring their quality and reliability becomes increasingly important. Test automation involves creating automated scripts and tools to perform software testing tasks, reducing the time and effort required for manual testing and increasing overall test coverage.

Software test automation engineers typically need a strong background in programming languages like Java, Python, or Ruby, as well as expertise in test automation frameworks like Selenium, JUnit, or TestNG. They work closely with developers and QA analysts to identify test cases, create test scripts, and maintain test environments.