Duties and Responsibilities of a Software Developer

Nowadays, software developers do far more than write code.  

They drive communication, protect intellectual property, collaborate across time zones, and uphold the integrity of the entire workflow. When their duties are clearly defined and agreed upon, they become invaluable partners in a company’s success story. 

Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. 

Need help with outlining your team’s responsibilities? 

You’ve come to the right place!  

This article dives deep into the duties of a software developer in outsourced and in-house models.  

Here’s everything you need to know:  

Essential Technical Skills for Software Developers 

First things first. 

What exactly is a software developer? 

That’s a professional who designs, builds, tests, and maintains software applications, systems, and platforms. They use programming languages, frameworks, and tools to write code that solves problems, automates tasks, or delivers digital experiences. These experts work on everything from mobile apps and websites to enterprise systems and custom solutions. 

Usually, developers in outsourced roles are expected to hit the ground running. The most effective ones bring not just coding ability but also familiarity with tools and practices that streamline distributed work.  

Key technical skills for developers, both outsourced and in-house, include: 

• Mastery of Git and collaboration workflows 

• Familiarity with containerization and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) 

• Understanding CI/CD pipelines and automated testing 

• Documentation and API integration skills 

• Experience with remote-friendly tools (Slack, Jira, Confluence) 

In-house teams often have onboarding programs or internal mentorship. Outsourced developers must adapt faster with less support. 

Key Responsibilities of a Software Developer 

Whether working from company headquarters or a coworking space halfway across the globe, a software developer’s core responsibilities remain surprisingly consistent.  

Here’s what every developer must deliver, especially in outsourced models: 

• Writing and maintaining high-quality code – these professionals are expected to write clean, maintainable, and efficient code that meets the project’s functional and non-functional requirements. Ensuring code quality in outsourced projects is often more formalized, with documentation, code reviews, and CI/CD processes playing a larger role. In-house developers may have more informal peer reviews but are still accountable for long-term maintainability. 

• Collaborating with other teams – an essential part of the job, especially when teams are distributed. Effective collaboration in outsourcing is crucial for seamless delivery. This includes participating in stand-ups, pair programming, and team retrospectives. In-house teams often have the advantage of face-to-face interaction and spontaneous brainstorming.  

• Communicating proactively – developers in both work setups must master the art of clear, timely communication. For remote or offshore teams, this includes writing updates, logging progress in project management tools, and flagging blockers early. Client communication is especially vital in outsourced scenarios where business context might not be as clear. Proactive developers ask questions, seek clarification, and ensure nothing gets lost in translation. 

• Ensuring security – data security goes beyond firewalls and SSL certificates. Developers must follow secure coding practices, handle user data with care, and report any potential vulnerabilities immediately. In-house developers often receive security training specific to company policies, while outsourced experts are expected to adhere to global data security standards and project-specific protocols. 

• Protect intellectual property – that’s more of an outsourcing thing but might be applied to in-house teams as well. Developers must understand that everything they build belongs to the client, not the outsourcing vendor or the individual. Clear contractual terms help, but developers themselves must also act responsibly, respecting code boundaries and confidentiality rules. 

Remote software development, however, demands extra layers of discipline and initiative. Some of the added duties include: 

• Creating and updating detailed documentation 

• Managing their own schedule to overlap with client working hours 

• Maintaining regular updates through async channels 

• Setting up and managing secure dev environments 

• Taking full ownership of their productivity and time management 

Unlike in-house developers who benefit from hallway chats and physical meetings, remote developers must be deliberate in building relationships and communicating status. Companies should also make more effort to integrate them. 

Okay, but: 

Who’s making sure obligations are fulfilled? 

The accountability of outsourced developers is often formalized through contracts and service level agreements (SLAs). Those define response times, bug-fixing responsibilities, and performance metrics. In-house developers are typically held accountable through performance reviews, sprint metrics, and team KPIs.  

However, both models share a common expectation:  

Developers must deliver results, own their code, and take responsibility for outcomes. 

Interested in hiring external software experts? 

Contact us today! 

We have a wide talent pool with the best professionals Eastern Europe can offer. Let’s talk and kickstart your project! 

Best Practices for Defining Developer Duties 

To avoid confusion and ensure a smooth working relationship, it’s crucial to clearly define software developer duties in contracts and onboarding documents.  

Here’s what to cover: 

• Scope of work – what exactly is expected from the developer? 

• Ownership – who owns the code and infrastructure? 

• Security and compliance – what standards must be followed? 

• Communication channels –  when and how should the developer report progress? 

• KPIs and performance metrics – how will success be measured? 

• Escalation paths – what happens if something goes wrong? 

It’s especially important to follow the best practices for defining developer duties in outsourcing agreements. Remember to make these terms part of the initial contract and revisit them at key milestones. 

Wrap Up 

In-house or outsourced, software developers are at the core of every successful tech project.  

And their responsibilities go beyond coding.  

In fact, they are collaborators, communicators, and guardians of quality and security. 

Outsourced developers, in particular, must embrace clarity, accountability, and transparency. But the responsibility isn’t theirs alone. Companies must invest in defining responsibilities in software outsourcing, setting expectations early, and creating environments where both internal and external developers can thrive. 

In-house developers, on the other hand, are often the backbone of a company’s technology strategy. They carry deep institutional knowledge, understand long-term business goals, and help define the architecture and technical standards that guide all development efforts. 

When roles are clearly defined and responsibilities are shared transparently, software developers will help your company reach new hights every time. 

FAQ 

What would a software developer do? 

A software developer designs, codes, tests, and maintains software applications. They turn user requirements into functional software using programming languages like Python, Java, or JavaScript. Developers may also fix bugs, update features, and ensure the software performs well. Their work supports everything from mobile apps to enterprise systems. 

What exactly do software engineers do? 

Software engineers apply engineering principles to the development of software systems. They focus on building scalable, reliable, and efficient software through structured processes like architecture design, testing, and optimization. Unlike developers who often focus on implementation, engineers may also handle system integration, infrastructure, and performance. They often work on large, complex projects in teams.  

What skills are needed for a software developer? 

Software developers need strong programming skills in languages like Python, Java, or C#. They should understand data structures, algorithms, and version control. Soft skills like problem-solving, communication, and collaboration are also essential. Familiarity with development tools, testing practices, and debugging techniques is crucial for success.