Data Developer vs. Data Engineer: What Are the Differences?

Data developers and data engineers are both in high demand in today’s business world. Companies are increasingly relying on data to make decisions, and these professionals are responsible for developing and maintaining the systems that collect and analyze that data. Though they share some similarities, there are several key differences between these two job titles.

In this article, we will discuss the differences between data developers and data engineers, and provide some tips on how to choose the right career path for you.

What is a Data Developer?

A Data Developer is responsible for the development and maintenance of an organization’s data systems. They work closely with Data Analysts to understand the needs of the business and design systems that can effectively store and retrieve data. Data Developers also write code to create programs that extract data from various sources and transform it into a format that can be used by Data Analysts. They also work with Database Administrators to ensure that the data systems are properly maintained and updated. Data Developers typically have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field.

What is a Data Engineer?

Data Engineers design, build, maintain and troubleshoot the complex systems that organizations use to collect, store and process data. They work with Data Architects to design data models and flows that meet the specific needs of the business. Data Engineers develop the ETL (extract, transform, load) processes that move data from its source to the data warehouse. They also create and maintain the data warehouse, ensuring that it is optimized for performance and able to support the data needs of the business. Data Engineers work with Data Scientists to develop the data pipelines that enable data-driven decision making. They also work with IT and Operations staff to ensure that data is collected and processed in a way that meets the security and compliance requirements of the organization.

Data Developer vs. Data Engineer

Here are the main differences between a data developer and a data engineer.

Job Duties

Data developers and data engineers share some job duties, but each role may also take on additional responsibilities. For example, both roles might analyze data to identify patterns or problems that require solutions. Data developers might use their expertise in coding languages like SQL or Python to extract, process and store data for future analysis. They might also design databases that help users more easily access and manage data.

Data engineers often work with larger datasets than data developers and apply a wider range of engineering skills to solve data issues. For example, data engineers might use tools like machine learning and artificial intelligence to automate processes like data labeling and model building. These professionals might then implement these solutions within the company.

Job Requirements

Data developers and data engineers often need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or another related field. However, some employers prefer candidates to have a master’s degree as well. Data developers and data engineers might also pursue certifications through organizations like the Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP) or the International Association of Software Architects (IASA). These certifications can help professionals stand out to potential employers and show that they have the skills needed to excel in their role.

Work Environment

Data developers and data engineers work in different environments. Data developers typically work in an office setting, where they can collaborate with other members of a team to create new programs for their company. They may also travel to meet with clients or attend conferences to learn about the latest technologies.

Data engineers often work in more industrial settings, such as factories or construction sites. They may spend most of their time outdoors, working on machines that collect data from sensors. While some data engineers work independently, others work in teams to ensure that all systems are running properly.

Skills

Both data developers and data engineers need to have strong technical skills. Data developers use programming languages like SQL, Java and Python to develop code that can extract data from sources, transform it into a format that is usable for analysis and then load it into a database. Data engineers also need to be able to write code, but their focus is on developing the infrastructure that supports data development and analytics. This can include building data warehouses, designing ETL processes and creating APIs.

Both data developers and data engineers need to have an understanding of databases and how they work. However, data engineers typically have a stronger understanding of how to optimize database performance and design scalable systems. Data developers need to be able to understand the business needs that their code is addressing and then be able to translate those needs into code that will produce the desired results.

Salary

Data developers and data engineers are both responsible for the development and maintenance of data systems. Data developers earn an average salary of $93,867 per year, while data engineers earn an average salary of $113,717 per year.