What does a Web Developer (Web, Software, Application) do?
As digital technology continues its steady march toward replacing analog tools and media, developers have become key players in the music world, making it possible to record, produce, distribute, integrate, and consume music where people increasingly live their lives: on computers and mobile devices. Developers create software and applications for just about any music-related activity one can think of: notation, composition, performance, recording, production, editing, instruction, research, broadcasting, publication, tuning, and—of course—listening. Depending on the level of training, developers and engineers may be involved in the conception and planning stages of software, an app, or a website; or the subsequent steps: building mockups, programming the software or building the website through multiple iterations, collaborating with designers and data specialists, and overseeing a rigorous test process to fix bugs before release.
At a Glance
A career as a developer is highly competitive and requires a steep skillset. Beyond coding literacy, a proven track record in one's chosen field is necessary, whether that's in mobile apps, computer software, or web development. Some developers specialize in one of the aforementioned media, while others switch based on the requirements of the project, or even focus on porting releases between different platforms.
Developers work for startups, app development companies, software development companies, record labels, entertainment companies, music distribution services (i.e. Bandcamp), and music streaming services.
- Coding in various languages
- Debugging
- Web development
- Software development
- UX design
- Problem solving and analytic thinking
- Written and verbal communication
- Creativity
- Attention to detail
While being a developer is—in a creative sense—all about designing and building in virtual spaces using programming languages, as a profession it’s really about preventing and solving problems while working under a deadline. A strong developer requires the concentration and attention to detail to write foolproof, resilient code, as well as the ability to quickly identify and resolve errors when they arise.
Some developers work traditional business hours in an office setting, while others work at their own pace from home. Flexibility is certainly an aspect of this profession, but only insofar as deadlines allow.
