You have an idea or project, like a website or mobile app or something else that requires a developer. So, you turn to LinkedIn or any other hiring platform to find a developer. But then you discover there are several types of developers.
‘What kind of developer are you looking for?!’
In this article, we’re answering your questions about the different types of developers and which ones work on which types of projects.
Types of developers in high demand
You’ve probably heard of frontend and backend developers, WordPress developers, among other types of developers.
But how do you know which one suits your business needs?
Here we’ll look at the different types of software developers and engineers and what they do so you can get an idea on how to proceed.
Web development
If you want to develop a website, you’ll need to work with a web developer.
Web developers fall under 3 categories: Frontend developers, backend developers, and full stack developers.
The size and complexity of your website will determine which type of developer you need to start working with.
Web developers are in charge of coding elements of a website like navigation, accessibility, layout, and some search engine optimization (SEO) elements.
Frontend developers work on the aspects your end user sees. Visual elements like website layout, navigation, and user experience fall under a frontend developer’s scope.
Backend developers work on the elements an end user doesn’t see but that contribute to the overall user experience.
The backend engineer or developer works on the ‘server-side’ of your website. These can involve writing or enhancing code to integrate applications, manage communication between your database and browser, among others.
It’s worth mentioning that aside from visual and back-end elements, frontend and backend developers use different programming languages to perform their duties.
Full stack developers combine frontend and backend skill sets. This means they have a broader skill set and more knowledge of programming languages.
It’s no surprise that full-stack web developers are more expensive. They also tend to hold senior roles compared to their frontend or backend counterparts.
Further reading: Climbing the Tech Ladder: Understanding the Differences between Junior and Senior Developer Roles
Mobile app development
Mobile app developers create mobile applications for businesses. These could be apps for smartphones or tablets.
They specialize in designing applications for mobile users. They’re familiar with user experience requirements.
In software companies, mobile app developers often collaborate with the product team to consistently improve user experience across the app.
If you want to build mobile apps for Android and iOS, you’ll need to hire different developers for each platform.
The main differences between Android, iOS, and cross-platform mobile app developers is the coding languages used.
Android developers build and support Android apps both for smartphones and tablets. They use Java and Kotlin as programming languages.
iOS developers develop and maintain apps for Apple smartphones and tablets. iOS development is often considered easier to learn. These developers use Swift, which is Apple’s native programming language.
A cross-platform developer, or multi-platform developer, is someone who develops a single code, with a language like Flutter, to be used for both Android and iOS. This method saves time and money as opposed to native mobile apps, however, there are pros and cons to each development method.
App specific developers
There are app-specific or platform-specific developers. These are web developers who help businesses and founders build websites on specific platforms like WordPress and Shopify, among others.
If you’re planning to build a one-page website, like a portfolio site, you may choose to do it yourself.
Each website building platform offers tutorials on how to build a website.
However, if you want to build a multi-page, like an e-commerce website with hundreds of products, you’ll need a web developer. You will need frontend and backend developers, or a full stack developer.
If you want to build your site on an e-commerce platform, you’ll need a developer that specializes in building websites for this platform.
Depending on the complexity of your idea, project, and needs, you can
- Try to do it yourself using a no-code tool (no developers needed)
- Hire a developer to customize a site on a platform (like Shopify, Joomla,...etc.)
- Hire a team of developers to build your site, tool, or platform from scratch
E-commerce platform developers
These are developers who specialize in building websites on e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Magneto, WooCommerce, and others.
In the Middle East, the top e-commerce platforms are Salla and Wuilt. However, many business owners choose to use WordPress and Shopify, as well.
E-commerce websites involve hundreds of products, pages, and require unique design to entice customers and improve user experiences.
Few business owners have the time or capacity to go through hours of tutorials to build their e-commerce site, whether as a native site or via an e-commerce platform. So, they turn to e-commerce developers to build and maintain their sites.
CMS developers
Content management systems (CMS) developers specialize in building sites on websites like WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, HubSpot, Joomla, and others.
Like e-commerce platforms, CMS platforms have tutorials and account managers for everything. However, the complexity of your website, your business needs, and time constraints will determine whether you can do it on your own or hire a developer.
CRM developers
Businesses use customer relationship management (CRM) systems to add and store their customers’ data. CRM software is also used to manage the business workflow and complete customer lifecycle from acquisition to after-sales services.
However, not only do CRM systems store information but also help businesses create sales and marketing campaigns, conduct research, among other benefits.
CRM developers specialize in building and enhancing CRM systems. Often, CRM developers will specialize in building apps and using platforms like Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle CX, and SAP CRM.
Other types of developers
Finally, there are a few more types of developers who don’t fall under any of the above categories. They don’t work with websites or mobile apps, although they may contribute to their development.
Game developers
A rare type of developer is a game developer. This is someone who works with video games, mobile games, or games for certain consoles or operating systems.
Game developers’ skills vary but usually involve writing code to design games with a focus on creating interactive experiences and improving those experiences for users.
Security engineers
A security engineer, known as a cybersecurity engineer or security analyst, enhances security within a company against cyber attacks and threats. They can create or develop a system or improve an existing system.
Security engineers play a vital role in organizations where customer data and other sensitive information should be safeguarded against attacks.
Network security developer roles fall under the broad umbrella of security developers.
Embedded engineers
Embedded developers or embedded software engineers are among the rarer types of developers out there. They design, develop, and maintain embedded systems or software, which, in simple terms, is like a system within a system.
Here’s a more advanced definition of what embedded engineering is from Virtusa.com.
“Embedded engineering uses software engineering to control devices and machines (such as mobile phones, microwaves, airbag systems and biomedical devices) that differ from traditional computers. The integration of software engineering with these devices allows them to [..] develop embedded systems comprised of programming tools, microprocessors, and operating systems. The impacts of this are felt in real-time operations related to medical and manufacturing science, consumer electronics and automotive technology, among others.”
Hire developers with TechieMatter
By now, you should have an idea about the different types of developers and which might be the starting point for your business or project.
As a non-tech founder or HR manager, it’s not easy to determine who might be the best fit to begin your project.
Let’s say you want to build an e-commerce website.
Should you start on your own first? (and hope to wing it?) Or should you start with a full stack developer? Or maybe turn to a WordPress developer?
These are all vital questions. And we’re here to help.
TechieMatter helps businesses around the world hire remote, on-site, or hybrid developers. Whether you’re looking for local talent or global expertise, we’ve got you covered.
Whether you need help deciding what type of developer to hire, find a developer for your business or build a full tech team, we have your back.
However, unlike employment portals, we don’t deliver a bazillion resumes. We carefully source and deliver a handful of qualified candidates.
Our products also help you assess and interview candidates so you can easily evaluate and hire the ones you want.
In other words, we help you
- Determine your business needs (in terms of tech hiring)
- Find, assess, interview, and hire the right tech talent
- Support you in retaining those talents
- Help you grow your tech team
Need help finding the right developer for your business? Get your free TechieMatter consultation now!
