Salesforce Developer vs. Software Developer: What Are the Differences?
Learn about the two careers and review some of the similarities and differences between them.
A career in software development can be very rewarding, but it’s important to choose the right path for you. Two common roles in this field are that of a Salesforce developer and a software developer. Though these positions share some similarities, there are several key differences between them.
In this article, we discuss the differences between a Salesforce developer and a software developer, and we provide additional information about each role.
What is a Salesforce Developer?
Salesforce Developers are responsible for designing, coding, testing and maintaining applications on the Salesforce platform. They work with Salesforce Administrators and Business Analysts to understand the needs of the business and design custom solutions that automate business processes and improve efficiency. Salesforce Developers use Apex, Visualforce and other technologies to build custom applications. They also troubleshoot and resolve issues with existing applications. In addition to coding, Salesforce Developers also participate in code reviews, write unit tests and documentation.
What is a Software Developer?
Software Developers create, test and maintain the software that makes computers and other devices run. They write code to solve specific problems or to create specific features for software programs. They also work with other programmers and developers to create larger, more complex systems. Software Developers typically have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. They must be able to think creatively to solve problems and must be able to work well with others as part of a team.
Salesforce Developer vs. Software Developer
Here are the main differences between a Salesforce developer and a software developer.
Job Duties
Salesforce developers have a different set of job duties than software developers. While software developers create and maintain coding languages, salesforce developers use pre-existing tools to build applications for customers. Salesforce developers also have more customer-facing duties, such as understanding customer needs and creating products that meet those needs.
Software developers have the responsibility to write code that is secure and efficient. They do this by testing their code after they’ve written it and fixing any issues before the product reaches customers.
Job Requirements
Salesforce developers typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or another related field. They also need to be proficient in Salesforce development tools and languages, such as Apex and Visualforce. Some employers may prefer candidates who have a master’s degree in computer science or a related field.
Software developers usually need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. However, some employers may prefer candidates who have a master’s degree. Software developers must also be proficient in various programming languages, such as Java, C++ and Python.
Work Environment
Salesforce developers work in a variety of environments, depending on the company they’re working for. They may spend time in an office setting or travel to clients’ locations to help them set up their software systems. Software developers typically work in an office environment and rarely travel to client sites.
Salesforce developers often work long hours during busy periods, such as when launching a new product. However, this is not always the case because salesforce development teams can collaborate with each other remotely. Software developers also work long hours during busy periods but usually have more flexibility in their schedules than salesforce developers.
Skills
Salesforce developers and software developers share some basic skills, such as programming languages and the ability to code. However, they also have different skill sets that are specific to their jobs.
Salesforce developers need to be able to use the Salesforce platform to create custom applications. They also benefit from having knowledge of Apex, Visualforce and Lightning. In addition, Salesforce developers need to be able to understand the needs of customers and translate those into technical requirements.
Software developers, on the other hand, focus on developing software programs. They need to be able to design, test and debug software. They also need to be able to work with a variety of programming languages, such as Java, C++ and Python. In addition, software developers need to have strong analytical skills to be able to solve complex problems.
Salary
The average salary for a Salesforce developer is $104,133 per year, while the average salary for a software developer is $89,499 per year. Both of these salaries can vary depending on the type of company you work for, your level of experience and your location.