What is Software Development? Duties, Salary, and Examples
Irhan Hisyam
Content Writer
Software development is the process of creating software for various needs, such as apps, social media, or operating systems. The process spans from planning to launch, and plays an important role in making our digital lives easier.
Professions in this field, such as app developers or software engineers, offer attractive salaries and extensive career opportunities. This article will explain what software development is, its tasks, and examples of its application in everyday life.
What is Software Development?
Software development is the process of designing, creating, and managing software for various needs. The resulting software can be an application, operating system, or platform used by individuals or companies.
The process involves various stages, from planning, writing code, to testing and launching. Each stage requires specialized skills to ensure the software functions properly and meets user needs.
In addition, software development also includes maintaining the software to keep it relevant and safe to use. With its vital role, this field has become one of the main pillars in the development of modern technology.
Software Development Functions
Software development has a very important role in the world of technology, not only to create new software, but also to increase efficiency and productivity in various sectors. Here are some of the main functions of software development:
1. Increase Business Productivity
Software development allows companies to create solutions that are specific to their business needs.
For example, inventory management systems help monitor stock in real-time, reducing the risk of shortages or overstocks. With the right software, business processes become more efficient and organized.
2. Support Process Automation
One of the main functions of software development is to replace manual processes with automated systems.
For example, accounting software can calculate financial reports quickly and accurately. This automation helps save time, effort, and reduces the risk of human error.
3. Facilitate Communication and Collaboration
Software such as communication apps or team collaboration platforms make it easier to interact between team members, even in different locations.
This is especially important for companies that adopt a remote work system. With development software, project management becomes more structured and transparent.
4. Provide Innovative Solutions
Software development enables new innovations that change the way we work or live.
An example is online transportation applications that revolutionize the way we book transportation. This kind of innovation not only offers convenience, but also opens up new business opportunities.
5. Improving Data Security
In the digital age, data security is a top priority, and software development plays a big role in creating a secure system.
Security software, such as antivirus or encryption systems, protect sensitive data from cyber threats. With an evolving security system, users can feel more at ease in carrying out digital activities.
Software Developer Tasks
Here are the four main tasks that software developers must perform, according to their role in answering the question What is Software Development?
1. Designing and Developing Software
One of the answers to the question What is Software Development? is the process of designing functional software.
In this task, software developers use programming languages such as Python, Java, JavaScript or C++ to create applications or systems that meet user needs.
2. Identify and Fix Problems
In the definition of what is software development, software development cannot be separated from the process of testing and bug fixing.
Software developers are tasked with ensuring the software runs smoothly by effectively identifying and fixing problems.
3. Coordinate with the Team for Product Development
Software development involves many parties, and developers must work closely with designers, project managers, and other teams.
This collaboration ensures that the software developed addresses the needs of users, thus clarifying the meaning of What is Software Development?
4. Maintaining and Updating Software
A software developer's job also includes maintaining the software to keep it relevant and safe to use.
This answers another part of the What is Software Development question by emphasizing the importance of updates and maintenance post software launch.
Software Development Salary
The salary of a software developer in Jakarta varies depending on experience and skill level. Based on data from Glassdoor, the total monthly salary is in the range of IDR 6.8 million to IDR 14.4 million, with a median total salary of around IDR 9.4 million per month.
The following is a breakdown of salary by component (Source: Glassdoor):
- Base Salary: IDR 6.2 million to IDR 12 million per month.
- Additional Income (bonus or incentive): IDR 656 thousand to IDR 2.4 million per month.
- Total Salary: IDR 6.8 million to IDR 14.4 million per month, with a median of IDR 9.4 million per month.
With these salary ranges, the software developer profession offers attractive earning opportunities in the technology sector.
This is increasingly relevant with the increasing need for software in various industries.
Software Development Examples
In answering the question What is Software Development?, it is important to look at how software development is applied in various contexts. Here are four real-life examples of software development:
1. Social Media Apps
Apps like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook are the result of software development designed to facilitate communication and information sharing.
The development process involves interactive features such as photo uploads, videos, comments, and direct messages. In addition, the algorithms that power these apps help display relevant content to users based on their preferences.
2. Business Software
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems, such as SAP or Odoo, are software that helps companies manage various aspects of the business.
This software integrates modules for finance, inventory management, and human resource management in one centralized platform. With the development of software like this, companies can increase efficiency and reduce manual errors.
3. Online Transportation Apps
Popular examples are apps like Gojek and Uber, which revolutionized the way we book transportation.
The development process of these apps includes features such as real-time vehicle booking, driver location tracking, and digital payment methods. In addition to providing convenience for users, these apps also create revenue opportunities for driver-partners.
4. Cybersecurity Software
Software such as antivirus, firewall, or intrusion detection system is another example of software development.
They are designed to detect and prevent cyber threats, protecting user data from malware, phishing, and hacker attacks. With regular updates, this software ensures the system stays safe against the latest threats.
Referensi:
- IBM: What Is Software Development? [Buka]
[@portabletext/react] Unknown block type "undefined", specify a component for it in the `components.types` prop
