15-1252.00 · Task explorer
Software Developers: reported tasks and exploration worksheet
Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.
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Read the task inventory
This source lists 17 tasks, including 11 marked Core and 6 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.
Task source dates: 08/2025.
17 tasks shown
Core · Task 21662 · 08/2025 · Incumbent
Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.
Core · Task 21669 · 08/2025 · Incumbent
Develop or direct software system testing or validation procedures, programming, or documentation.
Core · Task 21664 · 08/2025 · Incumbent
Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design systems and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces.
Core · Task 21670 · 08/2025 · Incumbent
Modify existing software to correct errors, adapt it to new hardware, or upgrade interfaces and improve performance.
Core · Task 21673 · 08/2025 · Incumbent
Prepare reports or correspondence concerning project specifications, activities, or status.
Core · Task 21661 · 08/2025 · Incumbent
Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan installation of a new system or modification of an existing system.
Core · Task 21676 · 08/2025 · Incumbent
Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.
Core · Task 21667 · 08/2025 · Incumbent
Design, develop and modify software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcomes and consequences of design.
Core · Task 21668 · 08/2025 · Incumbent
Determine system performance standards.
Core · Task 21665 · 08/2025 · Incumbent
Consult with customers or other departments on project status, proposals, or technical issues, such as software system design or maintenance.
Core · Task 21663 · 08/2025 · Incumbent
Confer with data processing or project managers to obtain information on limitations or capabilities for data processing projects.
Supplemental · Task 21671 · 08/2025 · Incumbent
Monitor functioning of equipment to ensure system operates in conformance with specifications.
Supplemental · Task 21666 · 08/2025 · Incumbent
Coordinate installation of software system.
Supplemental · Task 21678 · 08/2025 · Incumbent
Supervise the work of programmers, technologists and technicians and other engineering and scientific personnel.
Supplemental · Task 21677 · 08/2025 · Incumbent
Supervise and assign work to programmers, designers, technologists, technicians, or other engineering or scientific personnel.
Supplemental · Task 21672 · 08/2025 · Incumbent
Obtain and evaluate information on factors such as reporting formats required, costs, or security needs to determine hardware configuration.
Supplemental · Task 21679 · 08/2025 · Incumbent
Train users to use new or modified equipment.
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Source and practice material
Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.
Skill Workbench selected and adapted the occupational information and added its own fictional cases, calculations, guidance and worksheets. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.