Sharepoint Administrator vs. Developer: What Are the Differences?

SharePoint is a web-based application that helps organizations manage their intranet, extranet and websites. A SharePoint administrator is responsible for maintaining and managing the SharePoint environment, while a developer creates custom applications and solutions using SharePoint. In this article, we compare and contrast the job titles SharePoint administrator and developer, and we provide an overview of the skills and duties required for each role.

What is a Sharepoint Administrator?

Sharepoint Administrators are responsible for the overall health and maintenance of a Sharepoint environment. This includes ensuring that user permissions are set correctly, that data is backed up and that the system is updated with the latest security patches. Sharepoint Administrators also work with developers to create custom solutions and to troubleshoot any issues that arise. They may also be responsible for training users on how to use Sharepoint and for creating user manuals and other documentation.

What is a Developer?

Developers create, test and maintain software applications. They work with computer programmers to write code for new mobile apps, websites and software programs. Developers also work with quality assurance specialists to find and fix bugs before applications are published. They often specialize in a specific programming language or development environment. Some common development environments include Microsoft.NET, Java, PHP and Ruby on Rails. Developers typically have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. They also have strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think abstractly.

Sharepoint Administrator vs. Developer

Here are the main differences between a Sharepoint administrator and a developer.

Job Duties

Sharepoint administrators and developers share some job duties, such as installing Sharepoint software on computers and configuring it to work correctly. Developers also often perform tasks related to coding Sharepoint applications and creating new features for existing ones. Another major difference is that developers usually focus on internal Sharepoint use, while administrators tend to concentrate on external users.

This means that an administrator might oversee the creation of a Sharepoint site for employees to share documents, but the developer would build the site and determine which features to include. Similarly, a developer might create a feature allowing users to upload images to their Sharepoint sites, while an administrator might decide which groups can access the shared images and ensure that users know how to use the new function.

Job Requirements

SharePoint administrators typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. They should also have experience working with SharePoint and other software applications, as well as knowledge of HTML and CSS. Some employers may prefer candidates who have a master’s degree in computer science or a related field.

SharePoint developers usually need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. They should also have experience working with SharePoint and other software applications, as well as knowledge of HTML and CSS. Some employers may prefer candidates who have a master’s degree in computer science or a related field.

Work Environment

Sharepoint administrators and developers work in different environments. Sharepoint administrators typically work in an office environment, where they can collaborate with other professionals to create a plan for their organization’s needs. Developers often work in a computer lab or similar setting, where they have access to the tools they need to complete projects.

Sharepoint administrators may also travel to meet with clients and discuss their needs. Developers rarely travel because they usually work on internal projects that don’t require them to leave their offices.

Skills

Both Sharepoint administrators and developers need to have a strong understanding of the Sharepoint platform in order to perform their job duties. They also both need to be able to use various coding languages, such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript, to create custom solutions or to modify existing ones.

Sharepoint administrators typically need to have excellent communication skills so they can interact with other members of an organization, like managers and employees. They also need to have good problem-solving skills to troubleshoot any issues that may arise with the Sharepoint platform.

Sharepoint developers need to have advanced coding skills to be able to create custom solutions for organizations. They also need to be able to work well independently as they often are working on projects by themselves.

Salary

SharePoint administrators earn an average salary of $93,628 per year, while developers earn an average salary of $91,880 per year. Both of these salaries can vary depending on the size of the company, the location of the job and the level of experience the employee has.