Once a software developer has gained a certain amount of experience within their field, they are often promoted to the role of “senior software developer.” Of course, like many titles within the software industry, the transition may not be as obvious as it sounds. A senior software developer is not a lead software developer; they can acquire this position separate from any other hierarchy. But, in general, a senior software developer is expected to have certain qualifications.
What Is a Senior Software Developer?
A senior software developer is an individual who has had a significant amount of experience in software development. This software development can be in any specialization and the developer may have experience in multiple languages, frameworks, and environments. A developer may skip around in their development, switching from web development to native platform development, and still have experience as a “software developer.”
When used in some companies, senior software developer titles may denote a placement on a team. As an example, a senior software developer may be considered lead on a project, with other software developers working under them. In day-to-day operations, a senior software developer will likely take on more of the work for their team and more of their responsibility. Naturally, this will also come with an increase in pay.
Senior software developers may eventually seek to become lead software developers. For those who are interested in similar positions, senior software development may be the appropriate path.
What Does Being a Senior Software Developer Entail?
Every company will usually have its own qualifications for a senior software developer. To some extent, if a developer can be hired as a “senior software developer,” then they are one. This holds true even if they only have a few years of experience. But, in general, a senior software developer should have the following qualifications:
- 5 to 10 years of experience within software development and programming.
- A Master’s Degree in a field related to programming (or the equivalent in certificates and training).
- In-depth knowledge of a variety of programming languages and systems.
A senior developer is expected to know more than just programming languages and general developing techniques and workflows. A senior developer is expected to know the theories behind software development, which also includes basic project management skills and developing user experience. Senior developers are also expected to have a variety of soft skills, such as the ability to effectively communicate with a team.
Software development is a field that’s very quickly growing, with 19% growth predicted in the decade leading up to 2024. This increase in demand for software developers has made development one of the most secure and future-proofed industries. If you’re interested in becoming a software developer or a senior software developer, the best place to start is in job listings. At Software Specialists, a complete selection of job listings is regularly updated and maintained.
