Saffron Wildbore
~ 6min read
~ 6min read
Everything from your favourite mobile app to the website you’re reading this on exists thanks to code, which means that software developers play a crucial role. Even though we interact with their work daily, mainly people still find themselves wondering “what does a software developer actually do?”
In this blog post, we’ll break it down in simple terms for those looking to become a software developer, and how mthree can help you begin your career.
The daily role of a software developer varies depending on the type of company they work for, the industry and the kind of software they’re building. However, there are some common responsibilities shared by most developers:
This is the core task. Developers write code to build applications or systems based on a set of requirements. For example, if a bank needs a secure online platform for customers to transfer funds and see their transaction history, it’s the software developers job to build that.
Before the actual coding even starts, planning and designing has to take place. They’ll work with the stakeholders - project managers, clients or designers - to understand what the software needs to do. Based on this, they’ll create a plan or software architecture that guides the development process.
No matter how skilled a developer is, bugs are bound to arise as a normal part of the process. That’s why testing is so important!
Developers are great at problem solving, they’ll write and run tests to ensure that the software runs as expected. When problems arise, they will debug the code, find the issue and fix it.
Software development doesn’t end with the first release. Most applications need regular updates to fix bugs, add new features or keep up with changing technology and user requirements. Developers are responsible for keeping the software in good shape over time.
Collaboration is one of the top soft skills for software developers, as they rarely work alone. They work in teams that may include other developers, designers, quality assurance testers, project managers and clients. Soft skills are just as important as technical skills in this role!
ou might be thinking, “well this all sounds important, but what actually is the role of a software developer?” Here’s a closer look:
At their core, developers solve problems with technology. Whether that’s helping a business automate its operations, or building a platform that connects users around the world, software developers are the ones that figure out how to make it happen.
Many of the most exciting tech advancements - think AI, blockchain, or augmented reality - are made possible by developers. They are often on the front lines of innovation, experimenting with new tools and pushing boundaries.
A lot of people have great ideas, but turning those ideas into a working, functional product is often a different story. Software developers act as the bridge, transforming abstract concepts into real, usable tools.
Even small errors within the software can cause huge problems. Software developers play a vital role in maintaining quality. They ensure that the software performs reliably, handles errors correctly and protects user data.
Not all developers are the same, they all do different types of work. The field is broad, and there are several areas of specialisation. Some developers have computer science degrees, but they could also have maths, physics or engineering.
Here are the most common types:
These developers focus on what users see and interact with on the ‘frontend’. They build user interfaces using programming languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript React and Angular.
If you’ve ever clicked on a button on a website or scrolled through a mobile app, you’ve interacted with a frontend developer's work.
These developers work behind the scenes. They manage servers, databases and the logic that powers an application. Backend developers ensure that when you submit a form or make a purchase online, the system knows what to do with the information you’ve inputted. They use languages such as C++, C#, Java, Python, Kotlin and Go.
Full-stack developers can handle both frontend and backend tasks. They have a broad understanding of the entire development process and can switch between the roles as needed.
These specialists build apps specifically for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. They often work with languages like Swift (for iOS) or Kotlin (for Android).
While not strictly software developers in the traditional sense, DevOps professionals help streamline the development process. They focus on automation, testing, deployment and system monitoring.
Want to find out more about DevOps? Discover our blog post ‘what is DevOps?’ today.
In order to do their job effectively, developers rely on a wide variety of tools and platforms. Some of the most commonly used ones include:
Version Control Systems like Git, which help track changes in code and allow collaboration
Code Editors and IDEs such as Visual Studio Code, IntelliJ IDEA, or Eclipse
Project Management Tools like Jira or Trello
Testing Frameworks that automate the testing process
Cloud Platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud for hosting and scaling applications
If all this sounds interesting, you might find yourself wondering how to become a software developer.
There’s not necessarily a one-size-fits-all answer, there are many career paths to becoming a software developer.
Some developers have computer science degrees, while others are self-taught or go through coding bootcamps. What matters most is building real skills and experience.
Learn the basics of programming: Start with beginner-friendly languages like Python or JavaScript. Focus on writing simple programs to build your confidence.
Build projects: Create your own applications to practice and showcase your skills. These can be anything from calculators and to-do lists to more complex apps like portfolio websites or data dashboards.
Understand version control: Learn Git and platforms like GitHub to manage code and collaborate with others.
Explore data structures and algorithms: These are the building blocks of efficient software and are often key topics in technical interviews.
Get familiar with software development tools: Learn to use code editors, debuggers, testing frameworks, and cloud platforms.
Work on real-world projects: Contribute to open-source projects, join hackathons, or freelance to gain practical experience.
If you’re looking to break into the tech industry, but don’t know where to start we can help! We offer a pathway to your first job through our graduate programme.
Here’s how it works:
Hire: We hire you based on your aptitude and passion for tech.
Train: You’ll then go through an intensive, industry-aligned training programme that covers both technical and soft skills. This includes hands-on coding, practical business knowledge, and interview preparation.
Deploy: Once training is complete, you’ll interview for a role with one of our clients, often in industries like banking, finance, tech or the public sector. You hit the ground running in a real software development job with ongoing support and career guidance.
For those aiming to work in highly regulated industries like finance, where security, compliance, and reliability are critical, our tailored training gives you a competitive edge. It's a fast-track entry into tech, backed by expert mentoring and real-world experience from day one.
So, software developers: what do they do? A lot more than just writing code. They plan, build, test, and maintain software systems. They solve problems, collaborate with teams, and bring ideas to life.
Whether you’re building the next big social media platform or a simple website for a local business, developers are the ones who make it happen. Their work touches nearly every part of modern life, from shopping and banking to entertainment and healthcare.
If you’ve ever thought about diving into this field, now is a great time. The demand for skilled developers continues to grow, and the opportunities are vast.
Ready to begin your career as a software developer? Discover our current roles today.
Saffron is the Marketing Manager at mthree, with over five years of experience creating content that connects. She works across both B2B and B2C marketing, focusing on everything from career tips for graduates to real stories from our alumni. Saffron’s articles are all about sharing practical advice, industry insights, and inspiration to help readers take the next step with confidence.
