Programmer vs. Developer: Which Role Is Right for You?

Earning a degree in technology can lead to a rewarding career with diverse opportunities for employment. Two common careers include a programmer and a developer. When considering employment as a programmer vs developer, first consider the differences between these IT roles.

How Do Computer Programmers and Software Developers Work Together?

A software developer plans the design of an application or piece of software. They map out the usability of the product and determine the functionality that is needed. The software developer then hands off these plans to a computer programmer who writes the code to build the product. The software developer and computer programmer work closely together throughout the process to refine the design.

What Skills Do Programmers and Developers Need?

Both of these tech jobs require strong coding skills. Computer programmers and software developers need to be able to code in several languages, including SQL, Java, JavaScript, C#, Swift and Python. They must also know about object-oriented programming and databases. Software developers also need skills in project management and development processes. Since they design the product and oversee all parts of the build, developers must be able to manage other workers, such as the computer programmers on their team.

How to Become a Programmer vs. Developer?

Earning at least a bachelor’s degree is the preferred route to a career in both computer programming and software development. About 79% of employers are looking for computer programmers with at least a bachelor’s degree.* Managers also want computer programmers who stay up to date in the constantly changing field of technology.

Computer Programmer vs. Software Developer: What’s the Difference?

Q: What Is a Computer Programmer?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “Computer programmers write and test code that allows computer applications and software programs to function properly.” This means that computer programmers must use a number of programming languages to develop and refine applications and programs. They also test the outcomes of their coding to ensure there are no errors.

Q: What Is a Software Developer?

A software developer, according to the BLS, “creates the applications or systems that run on a computer or another device.” Software developers are the designers behind an application or a piece of software. They oversee the entire development process. Their goal is to ensure that the end-user can interact with the software in the way that it has been designed.

Q: What Does a Software Developer Do?

A software developer thinks about the end-user. They work to ensure that people can engage with the application or software easily. A software developer also thinks about the functionality and security of what they create. A person in a software development job must have excellent coding skills because they are in charge of determining the functions of an application or program as well as being responsible for the front-end and back-end designs.

October 30, 2024 in [ Engineering & Technology ]

Woman working on a programming project being projected on a screen.

Earning a degree in technology can potentially lead to various careers with diverse opportunities for employment, including programming and software development. Understanding the differences between these roles is crucial in choosing the right path for you.

In this blog, we’ll explore the key distinctions between a computer programmer vs. software developer. And of the careers, we’ll help you discover which is right for you: coder vs. programmer vs. developer. Engineering projects involve multiple stakeholders, complex technologies and large budgets, making structured management essential. Since job titles can vary across companies, carefully reading job descriptions is crucial.

In This Article:

What Is a Computer Programmer?
What Is a Software Developer?
What Does a Computer Programmer Do?
What Does a Software Developer Do?
How Does a Software Developer Differ From a Computer Programmer?
How To Become a Computer Programmer vs. Software Developer
Salary and Job Outlook for a Computer Programmer vs. Software Developer
Programmer vs. Developer: Which Is Right for You?

What Is a Computer Programmer?

Computer programmers are tech professionals who use computer programming languages to create the code that provides the foundation for software programs and applications. In other words, they are responsible for telling computers what to do and how to do it. Computer programmers might work on software and applications that run anything from webpages to content management systems to AI-powered programs.

Computer programmers must use several programming languages to develop and refine applications and programs. They also test the outcomes of their coding to ensure there are no errors.

To do their jobs, computer programmers need a number of skills, such as:¹

Proficiency with programming languages, including SQL, Java, Python and C++
Strong problem-solving abilities
Effective communication, including writing
Professional curiosity

What Is a Software Developer?

Software developers are like computer programmers in that they write, test and debug code. Software developers are the designers behind an application or a piece of software. They oversee the entire development process. Their goal is to ensure that the end user can interact with the software as it has been designed.

A software developer might focus on a niche area. For example, they may focus on application software or on mobile applications, specifically. In some cases, a software developer might be responsible for tasks related to data analytics.

Some important skills for an aspiring software developer include the following:²

Knowledge of coding languages, including JavaScript, Java, Python and C++
Ability to work with databases
Data structures and algorithms
Source control management knowledge
Software testing and debugging
Cloud platforms proficiency

What Does a Computer Programmer Do?

A computer programmer spends most of their day coding. They create and test new code. They check for errors and fix any glitches that they find. They may also go through old code to simplify or update it. This ensures there are fewer errors and makes the code easier to work with in the future.

A computer programmer may:

Evaluate programming projects and determine how to execute them
Collaborate with web and software developers
Troubleshoot system errors
Test the code and fix any bugs

Coder vs. Programmer vs. Developer: Is a Coder the Same as a Programmer?

Now that you have a better understanding of the answer to the question, How does a software developer differ from a computer programmer? you may be curious about the role of a coder. Is a coder the same as a programmer?

The two terms are often used interchangeably. However, a coder is only concerned with writing the actual code, whereas a computer programmer will also handle other tasks, such as testing and debugging.

What Does a Software Developer Do?

A software developer thinks about the end user. They work to ensure that people can engage with the application or software easily. A software developer also thinks about the functionality and security of what they create.

These professionals work on the functions of an application or program and are also responsible for the front-end and back-end designs. They may handle the following types of tasks:

Design software or applications
Assess software systems and identify improvements
Perform maintenance on systems
Write code
Submit project reports
Consult project managers and clients

How Does a Software Developer Differ From a Computer Programmer?

If both programmers and developers work with code, what is the difference between a programmer vs. software engineer or software developer? The software developer typically oversees the entire project lifecycle.

For example, a software developer plans the design of an application or piece of software. They map out the product’s usability and determine the functionality that is needed.

The software developer then passes these plans to a computer programmer, who writes the code to build the product. In other words, the computer programmer has a narrower framework of responsibilities compared to the developer.

How To Become a Computer Programmer vs. Software Developer

Typically, aspiring computer programmers need at least a bachelor’s degree.³It may be ideal to earn a degree in computer science, and aspiring programmers should also plan on developing proficiency in several programming languages. Hands-on experience gained through internships can be helpful in landing a job, as can professional certifications in various programming languages.³

Similarly, aspiring software developers usually need a bachelor’s degree, ideally in computer and information technology.⁴ Some software developers may need a master’s degree. An internship at a software company is an excellent way to gain hands-on experience while in college.⁴

Salary and Job Outlook for a Computer Programmer vs. Software Developer

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states the median annual wage for computer programmers was $99,700 as of May 2023.⁵

According to the BLS, the estimated job growth for software developers is 18%, much faster than average, indicating a projected increase of 303,700 new jobs in the field from 2023 to 2033.⁶ The BLS states that the median annual wage for software developers was $132,270 as of May 2023.⁷

Programmer vs. Developer: Which Is Right for You?

If you enjoy coding and want to spend most of your time writing new programs or expanding the features of existing programs, then computer programming may be the right career for you. If you are more interested in the design of an application or program and want to see it through from inception to launch, then software development might be your ideal field.

These two careers have some overlap, and you may find that a computer programmer is expected to know how to design products and that a software developer must know how to code. If you are still unsure about the right career path for you, take the time to job shadow professionals in both roles and get to know what each job might be like.

Grand Canyon University offers numerous technology-centered degree programs to tech leaders of the future. Apply today for enrollment in the Bachelor of Science in Software Development degree program at the College of Engineering and Technology.

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¹Birt, J. (2024, Aug. 15). Computer Programmer Skills: Definition and Examples. Indeed. Retrieved Aug. 19, 2024.

²Indeed Editorial Team. (2024, May 31). 12 Software Developer Skills to Learn (with examples). Indeed. Retrieved Aug. 19, 2024.

³U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, April 17). How To Become a Computer Programmer. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Aug. 19, 2024.

⁴U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, April 17). How To Become a Software Developer, Quality Assurance Analyst, or Tester. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Aug. 19, 2024.

⁵The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Computer Programmers as of May 2023, retrieved on Oct. 29, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as computer programmers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.

⁶COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2024, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Software Developers, retrieved Oct. 29, 2024.

⁷ The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Software Developers as of May 2023, retrieved on Oct. 29, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as software developers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.

Approved and verified accurate by the assistant dean of the College of Engineering and Technology on Oct. 21, 2024.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.