The number of software developers worldwide has skyrocketed in recent decades and years. Computers have gained capabilities many of us could have never imagined, and that’s largely thanks to the skilled humans behind the technology. They are crafting a digital world and advancing society at an increasingly rapid pace. From the apps we use to the programs we rely on, software development is the key to keeping society moving forward and progressing.
So, just how many developers are there in the world? Here, we will explore the number of professionals in this ever-important sector, along with additional key software developer statistics. We will also look at what’s in store for software engineers and developers in the coming years.
Understanding the Role of a Software Developer
The role of software developers is to job function email list build technology products—that’s the most basic definition of the profession. But it’s a bit more complex than that.
A software engineer or developer is responsible for building computer solutions, including systems, programs, and applications. They work with the software throughout the development lifecycle, performing tasks like designing and building the program, debugging, testing, and, most importantly, meeting stakeholder and user requirements.
There are many different types of software developers and specialists. They may specialize in certain languages or development tools, such as Java developers, PHP developers, Python developers, and .NET developers.
Some focus on building certain products, like mobile app developers. Others still specialize in certain technologies like AI/machine learning.
In any case, developers are critical to creating the platforms we rely on.
How Many Developers In The World?
Before we look more closely at the why celebrate world rock day subject of how many software engineers and developers there are in the world, we should first consider what it takes to be part of the illustrious—and competitive—software development industry.
When you look at software developer job postings, the first and foremost requirement you will find is strong tech expertise.
This encompasses skills like:
- Programming languages
- Frameworks
- Databases
- Cloud computing
- Algorithms
- Source control
- IDEs
- Operating systems
- Debugging
- Scripting
But it’s about far more than the technical skills. To stand out in a global developer population, a software developer should also demonstrate key soft skills, such as:
- Problem-solving
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Creativity
- Adaptability
- Empathy
Today, there are many developers spam data in the world from different paths and backgrounds. Still, more than 41% of software developers have bachelor’s degrees, while more than 21% have attained master’s degrees.
The Global Landscape of Software Engineers: Key Statistics
According to data from Evans Data Corporation, there are nearly 27 million developers worldwide.
That number is steadily growing—approximately 3% in the past year—and it is expected to exceed 28.7 million by 2024.