Developer Programmer Career in South Africa
Explore the official OFO occupation, common tasks, specialisations and approved South African qualification pathways.
Occupation overview
Interprets specifications, technical designs and flow charts, builds, maintains and modifies the code for software applications, constructs technical specifications from a business functional model, and tests and writes technical documentation.
What does a Developer Programmer do?
A Developer Programmer turns business needs and technical designs into working software. The work can include interpreting specifications and flow charts, writing and modifying application code, testing programs, fixing problems, maintaining existing systems and producing technical documentation. Developers may focus on applications, ICT development or programming.
Specialisations
How to become a Developer Programmer in South Africa
- Build a foundation in programming concepts, software design, testing and technical documentation.
- Practise writing code and interpreting specifications or flow charts by creating small software applications.
- Learn how to maintain and modify existing code, not only create new programs.
- Develop a portfolio that demonstrates working applications, problem-solving and clear technical documentation.
- Look for junior programming, application development or ICT development opportunities and build experience through progressively more complex responsibilities.An education or training route may support entry, but the most suitable option depends on the area of development and the expectations of the employer. Verify current course, provider and employer requirements before enrolling or applying.
Edupstairs Preparation Guidance
Focus on becoming comfortable with the full development process: understanding a requirement, converting it into a technical solution, writing code, testing the result, correcting defects and documenting how the software works. Keep practising with real or simulated projects so that you can demonstrate both technical ability and attention to detail.
Useful school subjects
- Mathematics
- Computer Applications Technology
- Information Technology
- English
Skills that may help
- Programming and code development
- Interpreting technical specifications and flow charts
- Software testing and debugging
- Understanding technical designs
- Problem-solving
- Maintaining and modifying existing applications
- Technical writing and documentation
- Attention to detail