Types of programmers and their activities

Universal digitalization has become a trend in the global and Russian markets in recent years: according to Habr research, a programmer is the most popular profession in the IT field (11% of the total market). This gave a strong impetus to the development of the IT sector: many new directions appeared, and with this the demand for specialists increased.  Let's figure out what they are and what they do.

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Three elephants: What kind of programming is there?
Types of programmers
Necessary softskills for programmer
Where to start? Tips for beginners

Three elephants: What kind of programming is there?

In general , programming is divided into three specializations:

• System – develops operating systems and software (hereinafter referred to as software);
• Application – they develop applications that we use based on the software of system developers;
  
• Web – do everything that works on the Internet.
  

All of them include different specialists.

System programmers

The rest of the industry is based on them. With great power comes great responsibility: working in this field requires extensive knowledge and skills. Therefore, there are relatively few specialists of this profile, and they are very much appreciated (and well paid). 

A system programmer not only creates, but also maintains information systems that are used by almost all large organizations: from private to public. To do this, in addition to the ability to work on software, a specialist must be able to quickly find and correct errors in it.

The profession of a system programmer requires knowledge of mathematics, physics and programming languages, as well as the ability to work with databases.

This specialization is quite deep and voluminous, and to study it, you first need to master the basics of programming. Therefore, in universities it is mainly a master's degree: for example, such a profile of study is offered by the HSE.

Application programmers

These specialists work on operating systems made by system programmers and develop any applications that you and I use. These are messengers, calendars, various editors, and even mobile and computer games.

Everything we use every day is their work.

An application programmer should know how the software works, be able to create and adapt it to the right tasks and be proficient in one (or preferably several) programming languages. To this is added knowledge of the specific area in which he works, and the ability to perform tasks that relate to it.

Applied programming is a more popular specialty, it is taught in many universities. But the demand for such specialists is still high: this is a broad and relevant area.

Web programmers

This area covers websites and any web applications. The general task of a web programmer is to create these very sites and applications or develop them from a certain side. It is not always necessary to be able to write code here, and the work itself is more creative and does not require knowledge of exact sciences.

Web specialty includes web designers: creativity is the main engine here.

Since websites are now being created by more and more business companies, this work is often associated with marketing and advertising. Web programmers, like application programmers, make products with which the user interacts directly, and therefore they must take into account current trends in website design and understand their audience.

Types of programmers

All these areas are divided into narrower specialties. How many are there? A huge variety. To be even more precise, we have prepared a list of specific professions for every taste and color:

Software Engineer

A universal specialty that requires knowledge of several common programming languages and the ability to work with various operating systems and web technologies. Due to this, software engineers are especially in demand and have a wide range of programs to work with.

So, a software engineer creates, develops and tests software. He produces software independently, from the idea to full implementation and further maintenance.

Average salary: 140 thousand rubles.

Backend developer

The most popular type of programmers at the moment. It involves working on the backend of mobile and web applications. What is it? The backend is the internal part of the site or application that the user does not see. This includes databases and various server systems that a specialist must create and maintain.

Backend is the basis of the entire web product.

The demand for backend developers in Russia significantly exceeds the supply. Many companies are striving to improve their online services, so intelligent backend developers are always in demand.

Average salary: 180 thousand rubles.

Frontend developer

Like a backend developer, he participates in the creation of mobile and web applications, but, unlike his colleague, does not touch the inside of the application. Frontend is the visible part, the one that the user interacts with. Here, the developer needs to translate the design layout of the application or website into the code language so that the browser reads it and displays it on the screen.

A beautiful cover and the correct operation of all buttons is the work of a frontend programmer.

Sometimes frontend developers are called layout designers because they literally compose entire individual pages of websites or applications and program the links between them.

Average salary: 150 thousand rubles.

Fullstack developer

Combine the two previous ones. Basically, fullstack programmers work on small projects where one person can handle two areas at once. Such a specialist should be able to create, edit and maintain websites completely and independently.

Average salary: 130 thousand rubles.

Developers of specific languages

They specialize in one programming language, and do any work on it. For example, on the most popular Java, C++ or Python right now, you can make applications, backend, and various programs with games. The main thing is to know the specifics of your product.

Programmer, as a rule, not only writes and edits code, but also works with databases and necessary auxiliary programs related to his language.

But specialization in one programming language does not mean that you have to forget about the others. Knowledge of several languages (even if not deep) can simplify and help in work – who knows what tasks fate (and the employer) will throw up.

Average salary: 150 thousand rubles.

Mastering a programming language begins long before entering the profession. CODDY will help you hone it at school: we teach you to read and write in a modern way in any language.

Software Tester

The name speaks for itself: a tester (or QA engineer) is someone who tests the final IT product, identifies errors and checks how well the system copes with its tasks, that is, controls the quality of the product.

The creation of any IT product does not do without a final recheck, therefore, while software is being created, testers will always be in demand.

Basically, the tester's work in projects is the final stage: he rechecks the work of his colleagues, looks for bugs (errors) and loopholes in all possible ways, writes verification reports and, if he finds them, sends them to developers for correction.

Average salary: 100 thousand rubles.

DevOps Engineer

From the English development & operations (development and operations), DevOps is a methodology for the interaction of IT specialists in working on a product. It automates all the technical processes of working on software and makes the work of the team fast and efficient.

The task of a DevOps developer is to monitor the entire development of a website or application and establish links between its developers. 

This is a very extensive specialty that requires extensive knowledge and skills in the development, programming and provision of an IT product, therefore, skilled and well-established programmers with extensive work experience become DevOps engineers. Here you need to know programming languages, be able to work with various operating systems and databases, and find and correct errors in them.

Average salary: 200 thousand rubles.

UI/UX designer

UX/UI designers are engaged in the development of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) for web and mobile applications, interactive websites and other digital products. Their task is to create a beautiful, user–friendly and intuitive interface. Here the designer develops visual elements: buttons, menus, fonts, and links them into one whole picture.

We told you more about this profession in our other article.

Average salary: 110 thousand rubles.

1C-programmer

Adjusts the program "1C: Enterprise" to the needs of the company.

1C: Enterprise is a complex program that automates production management, accounting of goods, services, and bookkeeping. It is formulaic and often needs editing, which is performed by 1C programmers.

The 1C program uses its own individual programming language, so the programmer must specialize in it and know all its nuances and auxiliary chips.

Average salary: 120 thousand rubles.

Game Developer

Computer and mobile games also consist of code. But in this case, the programmer does not write them from scratch himself, but puts together the work of the screenwriter, designer and all other specialists involved in the development. To do this, he uses one of the programming languages that we listed earlier: games are most often written in Java, C++ and C#.

It is not complete without game engines (game software), which developers often deal with. The most popular are Unity and Unreal Engine. 

Average salary: 90 thousand rubles.

Necessary softskills for working in IT

If everything is clear with professional skills – any developer, engineer and designer should know their "habitat" – then the necessary flexible skills may not be obvious. Here is a list of softskills that no IT specialist can do without:

• Communication skills: the ability to communicate clearly and effectively will be very useful, since any IT specialist will have to work in a team and/or with customers, where the ability to negotiate is the main factor of fruitful work.
• Adaptability: the ability to quickly adapt to new technologies, requirements and changes in the IT field. Flexibility and willingness to learn will help you effectively cope with tasks in the rapidly developing IT field.
  
• Quick problem solving: the ability to find the best way out of any unexpected situations in a short time. This will help to organize time efficiently – all projects have deadlines, and a long delay on mistakes can have a bad effect on further work. If you get stuck, don't be afraid to ask your colleagues for help.
  

Where to start? Tips for beginners

0. Choose a direction

The profession should not only be in demand and highly paid, but also beloved. Find out what you are good at, what your soul is for and what you want to study. In IT, passion for your work is especially useful and appreciated: you won't last long without it.

1. Learn

As soon as you have chosen a specialization, learned about all the pros and cons and decided exactly which side to enter IT – then you can start studying. There are many options: from higher education to schools and courses in IT specialties on the Internet.

2. Start small

Employers primarily welcome experience, not diplomas. Where can I get it? As in any job – through internships and small projects. Don't be afraid to try new things and test yourself. Any experience can be useful, especially at the beginning of the journey.

3. Learn English

It is not necessary to know English at the start, but it will definitely play into your hands. Most commands in programming languages are written on the basis of English words and it will be much easier to navigate them knowing the language. In addition, many IT companies are moving to the international level, and employers put forward knowledge of English as a prerequisite for hiring.

4. Don't be afraid to ask questions

There are always specialists in the IT field who are ready to help and share their experience. Do not hesitate to ask questions to senior colleagues, but always try to figure it out yourself first. Independence is highly valued in all areas, including IT.

5. And most importantly – Never stop there.

The IT sphere is constantly and rapidly developing, so it is important to regularly refresh your knowledge and skills. Keep learning new technologies, programming languages and everything related to your profession. Keep an eye on new products and do not allow yourself to stay in place.

Have you already chosen a specialization? Start your journey in IT with the innovative CODDY programming school. We train programmers of all stripes from the earliest years.