20 things you may not know about software developers

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Software development is one of the most in-demand skills in almost every industry. Software developers play a crucial role in building most of the products that we use today. They are the architects behind the operating systems and applications we use, the websites we navigate, and numerous other innovative solutions that drive businesses forward.

To help you delve deeper into the world of software developers, this article will take you on a journey to uncover 20 lesser-known facts about them, shedding light on their unique traits, experiences, and several other mysteries that surround this profession. Without further ado, let's get into this right away!

Facts about software developers

Lucrative Salaries: Software developers in the US earn over $110,000 annually

Software developers are among the most paid professionals in the US and several other parts of the world. The national average salary for software developers in the US is $115,000 per year. This is not surprising considering the demand for their skills and expertise in several industries, including health, education, tech, retail, and more. By mastering popular and trending programming languages like Golang and Python, developers can command even higher salaries, with some earning over $160,000 per year.

Software development is comprised of a young workforce

When compared to other professions, Software developers tend to be relatively young. The average age of software engineers is 39 years. A significant percentage of these developers is under 35 years. This youthfulness can be attributed to the fact that programming skills can be learned and honed at an early age.

It could also be due to the fact that software development is an emerging field that only started gaining popularity in the late 80s and 90s. Employers can benefit from this young talent pool, as young developers bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a strong grasp of the latest technologies.

University Degrees Not Mandatory

Unlike many professions, having a university degree in software engineering is not a prerequisite for landing a job as a software developer. According to a StackOverflow survey, learning to code through online resources and practical experience has increased from 70% to 80% between 2022 and 2023. This is due to the rapid evolution of technology and programming languages, which often outpace the curriculums of traditional universities. As a result, employers, including popular brands like IBM, Apple, and Alphabet, don’t necessarily require one to have a college degree before hiring them.

JavaScript is very dominant.

JavaScript is the most widely used programming language, with over 17 million developers utilizing it. It is a versatile language that runs on the web, making it essential for front-end web development. Python, Java, and C++ follow closely, with each having over 15.7, 14, and 11 million developers in its communities, respectively. These languages are popular because they are used in a wide range of applications, including web development, mobile apps, operating system development, and more.

C++ is still considered one of the most complex programming languages

C++ is known for its complexity and is considered one of the more challenging programming languages to learn compared to Python and Java. Its advanced syntax and less English-like structure make it less intuitive for many developers, especially beginners. However, the mastery of C++ opens up opportunities for low-level system programming, performance-critical applications, and game development, making the effort worth it with you want to be competitive in the job market.

Over 83% of software developers work remotely.

One of the recent studies found that over 83% of software developers work remotely most of the time. 79% of these developers increased the frequency of working remotely during the Covid19 pandemic when movements were restricted to minimize the spread of the covid. Developers are attracted to the freedom and flexibility that remote work provides. Fortunately, companies in many countries, including Portugal, Thailand, Bali, Mexico, Croatia, and Estonia, have embraced the digital nomad lifestyle, offering favorable environments for remote work. If you’re running a European-based company, you should consider hiring reliable outsourcing partners like FVST to enjoy the full benefits of nearshoring.

Most software developers spend an average of two years on every job.

Software developers are known to change jobs relatively frequently, with an average job tenure of 2 years. Some of the reasons behind this trend include the desire to explore new projects, gain diverse experiences, find a job that matches their skills and passion, and seek higher salaries. Many software developers consider staying in one position for too long to lead to stagnation in skills or limited salary growth. If you are an employer, you can increase the job tenure of your developers by offering challenging tasks, opportunities for professional growth, and a performance-based salary.

Over 26.7% of developers work overtime.

Software development can be demanding, leading to a significant number of developers working beyond regular working hours. It is pretty common for software developers to have 80-hour or even 100-hour weeks, depending on the projects they’re handling. Factors such as project deadlines, complex problem-solving, and continuous learning contribute to the need for overtime work to meet deliverables and goals.

India produces over 2.6 million software engineers every year.

India has become a major hub for software engineering talent, producing a significant number of graduates annually. The country's focus on technological education and its large population contribute to the abundance of software engineers in the workforce. Besides the software engineers that come from Indian colleges, a significant number of these developers are self-taught.

The world's first programmer was a woman.

The very first computer programmer recorded in history was a woman called Ada Lovelace, born in 1815. She worked on the analytical engine, a precursor to the modern computer, and developed the first computer program more than a century (during the 1840s) before the first computer was actually created.

Men account for 91.88% of software developers.

According to a 2022 survey, the field of software development continues to be predominantly male, with men representing the majority of software developers. This is mainly because Most women usually don’t pursue academic fields that would lead them to software development. However, efforts are being made by different players to promote diversity and inclusion in the industry and encourage more women to pursue careers in software development.

Software developers in the gaming industry are the happiest.

Among various industries, software developers working in the gaming industry report the highest levels of job satisfaction. The dynamic and creative nature of game development contributes to developers' happiness in this field, compared to those working in industries like telecommunications or government. This could also be because most game developers enjoy the games they’re creating.

Most in-demand software engineers specialize in Machine Learning and Data Science.

Machine Learning and Data Science are highly sought-after specializations within software engineering. The increasing reliance on data-driven decision-making and artificial intelligence has led to a surge in demand for software engineers with expertise in these areas. This trend will likely continue as artificial intelligence continues to get more use cases in almost every industry.

Software developers are more devoted to learning than other professionals.

Software developers have a higher rate of continuous learning compared to professionals in other fields. This is due to the rapid pace of technological advancements, which require software developers to constantly update their skills and stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends. If software developer does not advance their knowledge and skills, they can quickly become obsolete within just a couple of years.

There are over 459,382 million web developers in the US.

According to Zappia, the USA alone has over 459,382 web developers, making it one of the most popular fields in software development. Web development is a rapidly growing field, and the number of web developers worldwide continues to rise. The increasing demand for websites and web applications drives the need for skilled web developers across various industries.

70% of coding jobs have nothing to do with technology at all

Coding skills are versatile and can be applied to various domains beyond traditional technology-related fields. Most coding jobs are in various fields, such as nature studies, geography research, health, education, and more. This is because coding can be utilized in diverse areas to enhance productivity.

There are over 180,830 freelance software developers in the US.

According to Zappia, the USA alone has over 180,380 freelance software developers. Freelancing has become a popular choice for software developers seeking flexible work arrangements and diverse projects. The freelance market offers opportunities for independent software developers to work on a project basis, often providing their services to clients remotely.

About 30% of software developers use Stack Overflow every day

Stack Overflow is a popular online community and resource for software developers. It serves as a platform for developers to ask and answer technical questions, seek solutions to complex coding problems, and share knowledge. Its extensive user base makes it a valuable resource for developers worldwide.

90% of software engineers are more productive when they work remotely

According to a recent survey, 90% of software engineers claim to be productive or more productive when working remotely. Remote work has gained prominence in recent years, and many software engineers find that working from home increases their productivity. The flexibility and reduced distractions in a home environment can enable developers to focus and achieve better results. Working remotely also allows developers to work during the times when they are most productive.

61.5% of development teams use the Agile method

A study by GoodFirm found that over 61.5% of software companies use the Agile methodology, 23.1% use Scrum, and 9.6% use the waterfall method. Agile methodologies have become popular in software development due to their iterative and collaborative approach. Agile methods promote adaptive planning, continuous improvement, and flexible project management, leading to efficient and successful software development projects.