Although developers and programmers share similar job responsibilities and skills, these are actually two distinct professions. While a programmer is a technician who specializes in code, a developer is a designer or project manager who also can code. If you're interested in pursuing a career in coding, it's important to understand the commonalities and differences between programmers and developers. In this article, we discuss the definitions of programmers and developers and review the primary similarities and distinctions between these two professions.
A developer is a software professional who writes, manages and debugs the code in computer programs. Developers typically specialize in a specific type of coding language. A developer also manages other tasks related to software creation, modification and management, such as software documentation, architecture, databases and user experience.Related: How To Get a Job as a Software Developer
A programmer is a coding professional. Programmers make, test and troubleshoot the coding languages within a software application to make sure it runs successfully. Programmers often follow specific instructions related to the application's code while thinking innovatively about ways to make the code functional.Related: How To Become a Computer Programmer
Here are the primary similarities and differences between a developer versus programmer:
Developers typically have a broader scope of work than programmers. In addition to writing and revising code, developers often manage software projects. This may include delegating tasks to other coding professionals, giving instructions to programmers about the type of code to develop and designing the software while keeping in mind the customer's experience.Programmers, however, typically focus primarily on the writing, debugging and testing of their code. A programmer may have greater technical knowledge of specific coding languages, techniques and troubleshooting methods than a developer.
Developers and programmers share some of their job responsibilities. Both professionals create, revise, test and troubleshoot code to ensure that software programs run as effectively as possible. In addition, developers and programmers might organize software data, use encryption or security methods to protect their software and check the compatibility of their software with various operating systems.However, programmers typically have more job responsibilities related specifically to coding. Since they have more specialized knowledge of coding, they likely spend more time than developers working on a software's backend, meaning the code that enables programs to run successfully for users. Programmers more frequently use tools like libraries or frameworks to build and test their code repeatedly. Developers, meanwhile, often balance a wider range of job responsibilities. A developer might, for example, analyze user feedback regarding software performance and make suggestions to programmers about potential coding improvements. Developers also may work more closely with other departments, such as marketing or design.
Both developers and programmers sometimes specialize in a specific subset within their field. However, these specializations vary for both professions. Specializations for programmers include:
Developers, meanwhile, may choose specialized careers such as:
Related: 6 Types of Programming Jobs
Programmers earn an average salary of $56,861 per year. By contrast, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), software developers, quality assurance analysts and testers receive on average $110,140 per year. The difference in average annual salary is likely in part because developers are in a more advanced position than programmers. Keep in mind, however, that individual salaries can vary based on many factors, such as location, years of experience and education.
Developers and programmers take distinct steps to become their chosen profession. A programmer typically completes a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field before entering their career. Alternatively, some programmers first undergo coding boot camp.A developer also typically begins their careering with either an undergraduate degree related to computing or with a coding boot camp. However, a developer is typically not an entry-level position, so developers can spend a few years gaining programming experience in another role. Some developers actually start their careers as programmers to ensure they have a strong understanding of coding languages. Other entry-level jobs aspiring developers may start with include junior web developers or data analysts.Related: 10 Computer Programmer Schools
Both developers and programmers often work in an office environment with other computing professionals. However, programmers are more likely to work from home part- or full-time. Once a programmer has their coding instructions, they can often perform their individual assignment from anywhere. Since developers collaborate more frequently with others, it is more common for these professionals to work on-site.