Occupation
Software developer
Software developers design, write, and maintain the programs that run on computers, phones, and servers. Much of the work is reading existing code, breaking a requirement into small changes, and checking that a change behaves correctly before it reaches users.
Also known as: Software engineer · Application developer · Programmer · Developer
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Occupation content
Part of Information technology, data and cybersecurity
A visual day in the work
What the work involves
Translate a feature request or defect report into a concrete technical change
Write and refactor code, then run it against automated tests
Review teammates' pull requests and leave specific, actionable comments
Debug failures by reproducing them and narrowing down the cause
Document decisions and interfaces so other developers can build on the work
Entry-route stepper
How people commonly enter
A bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field
A college diploma or certificate in programming or application development
A digital or software apprenticeship where employer training is combined with study
A self-directed or bootcamp route backed by a portfolio of working projects
Internal movement from a technical support, testing, or analyst role
Typical training: Bachelor's degree
Licensing: Not typically licensed
Pathways: Apprenticeship route
Work-context map
Typical work context
- Team based
- Desk based
- Quiet focus
- Remote capable
- Hybrid office
Team based · Desk based · Quiet focus · Remote capable · Hybrid office
Related interests
- Investigative (analytical)
- Conventional (organizing)
- Realistic (hands-on)
Investigative (analytical) · Conventional (organizing) · Realistic (hands-on)
Related aptitude preparation
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Skills to practise
Practice suites
Related learning
Family-level learning links for Information technology, data and cybersecurity.
Official sources
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Labour-market context (not part of exploration match)
This is broad family-level context for Information technology, data and cybersecurity in Canada, not a figure for Software developer. It does not affect matching scores and is not an eligibility determination.
This is a broad Information technology, data and cybersecurity family. Explore the official profile for the chosen occupation; entry education and training can differ within the family.
Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Information technology, data and cybersecurity: education pathways
Some roles in Information technology, data and cybersecurity may be regulated. Confirm whether the specific role requires registration, certification, or a jurisdiction-specific licence.
Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Information technology, data and cybersecurity: licensing
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