Data · Role

Developer

A developer designs, builds, and maintains software. This is a broad term that covers roles such as software engineer, back-end developer, and front-end developer. Developers work in almost every sector, from banks and insurers to tech companies and government bodies.

In this role you might write code for a new feature, fix a bug in an existing system, or review the work of another developer before it goes live.

Background

The goal of a developer is to build software that works reliably and can be changed later without breaking. Most organisations run on software they build or adapt themselves, so they need people who can write and maintain that code.

Day-to-day, a developer writes new code, fixes problems in existing code, and reviews changes made by others. What this means in practice depends on the type of developer. A back-end developer works on the systems and databases behind an application. A front-end developer works on the parts a user sees and interacts with. Many developers do both.

The core skill is programming. Common languages include Python, Java, and JavaScript, though which one matters depends on the work. Developers use version control with Git to track and share changes, and they write automated tests to catch errors early. Knowledge of databases and SQL is useful, since most applications store and retrieve data.

Developers usually work in teams that follow a structured process, releasing changes in small steps and reviewing each other's work. At a large company, a developer specialises in one part of a bigger system. At a smaller company, one developer may handle everything from the database to the user interface. In the Netherlands, tech companies, financial institutions, and consultancies all employ developers. The role connects closely to the Data Engineer role and works alongside the Business Analyst, who defines what the software should do.

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