Explore occupational profile

Version:
OaSIS 2025 Version 1.0
Search the OaSIS

21232.00 – Software developers and programmers

Software developers and programmers design, write, and test code for new systems and software to ensure efficiency. They create the foundations for operative systems and run diagnostic programs to certify effectiveness.

Overview

Example job titles

  • Application programmer
  • Computer game developer
  • Electronic business (e-business) software developer
  • Interactive media developer
  • Multimedia developer
  • Software developer
  • Software development project manager
  • Software programmer

Core competencies

  • Systems Analysis and Evaluation to design and implement software solutions based on user requirements, system specifications and technical constraints
  • Digital Production and Digital Literacy to navigate digital interfaces, utilize software development tools and leverage online resources to support software development tasks
  • Mathematical Reasoning and Numerical Ability to analyze data structures or computational processes and optimize algorithms, ensuring the efficiency of software systems
  • Fluency of Ideas to generate multiple solutions to complex problems, explore different approaches and adapt to changing requirements
  • Attention to Detail to correct issues when writing code, debugging errors and testing software
  • Knowledge in Computer, Technology and Information Systems to understand, design, implement and test complex software solutions involving computer architecture, operating systems, programming languages and data structures

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Design, write, read, test, and correct code for new software
  • Analyze information to recommend and plan the installation of new systems or modifications of an existing system
  • Evaluate simple interrelationships between programs such as whether a contemplated change in one part of a program would cause unwanted results in a related part
  • Program animation software to predefined specifications for interactive video games, Internet and mobile applications
  • Write, modify, integrate and test software code for e-commerce, Internet and mobile applications
  • Develop, implement, modify and maintain gameplay features that integrate effectively into existing software
  • Write documentation for new and updated software.

Additional information

  • Progression to software engineer is possible with experience.

Similar occupations classified elsewhere

Exclusions:

  • Computer network and web technicians (22220)
  • Computer systems developers and programmers (21230)
  • Database analysts and data administrators (21223)
  • E-business managers (10022.04)
  • Graphic designers and illustrators (52120)
  • Information systems specialists (21222)
  • Information systems testing technicians (22222)
  • Web designers (21233)
  • Web developers and programmers (21234)

NOC hierarchy breakdown

NOC version

NOC 2021 Version 1.0

Broad occupational category

2 – Natural and applied sciences and related occupations

TEER

1 – Occupations usually require a university degree

Major group

21 – Professional occupations in natural and applied sciences

Sub-major group

212 – Professional occupations in applied sciences (except engineering)

Minor group

2123 – Computer, software and Web designers and developers

Unit group

21232 – Software developers and programmers

Occupational profile

21232.00 – Software developers and programmers

O*NET in-it

This page includes information from the O*NET 27.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Employment and Social Development Canada has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.