From PHP to C# to Java Script: IT specialists in application development master programming languages as well as other foreign languages. With the help of this, they develop a wide range of internal or customer-oriented software solutions - whether a company wants improvements in data management or needs a new content management system, such as Typo3, to maintain its website.

What does a computer scientist do for application development?

Develop software according to the needs of the client : The basis of the job of a computer scientist for application development is, as the name suggests, the development of software and applications for companies and customers. They cover a wide area - from business programs that, for example, facilitate work processes such as invoicing in companies, to web content management systems, i.e. applications that can be used to display content on websites. To this end, during the consultation, you first get a clear picture of what the customer or your own company wants: what functions should the software have? What does the surface structure look like - for example, the labelled input fields on the forms - so that it is particularly easy for the user to handle?

Testing and adapting applications: Does the application run smoothly and on all operating systems? Are there any problems that have been overlooked and now need to be corrected? As soon as software is developed, it must first be tested before it can either be passed on to the customer or introduced - or technically: implemented - in your own company. It is also one of the tasks of the IT specialists in application development to test the existing tools and, if necessary, to adapt and update them.

Create concepts and estimates : How many hours of work are needed to implement a software product? How many developers are working on the project? What is the realistic implementation period? All of these questions need to be answered during the conceptual phase to ensure the smooth running of the project. For software developed for external purposes, i.e. as a customer service, IT specialists in application development create cost estimates.

Training and supporting users : As soon as new applications are implemented, IT specialists in application development ensure that employees or customers learn how the new software works. They do this by providing training, either in individual coaching or in groups, and by offering IT support in case of problems. Since familiarisation with new programmes is a time-consuming process, depending on their complexity, IT specialists specialising in application development often write manuals that serve as reference books and clarify the use of new software.

Keep up with new market developments : technologies are constantly evolving. Therefore, IT specialists in application development should always keep their programming skills up to date by searching for new developments on the Internet or in current specialist literature, often in English.

Are there other subjects in which a computer scientist can specialise?

In addition to the specialisation in application development, there is the well-known specialisation in system integration. From August 2020, however, there will be a reorganisation of the IT professions, so that two further subjects are available for training. The IT specialist for data and process analysis and the IT specialist for digital networking are new. This is also reflected in some innovations in the rules for training computer scientists for application development.

Why become a computer scientist for application development?

Since hardly any company today can do without electronic or digital systems, competent IT specialists for application development will also be in great demand in the future. Thus, the strongest argument for this profession is the excellent career prospects.

What are the working hours as an IT specialist for application development?

The working hours of IT specialists for application development depend on the location. Roughly speaking, a 40-hour week is the rule. In customer support, shift work may be the case and errors must also be corrected in the evening.

What kind of work clothes do application developers wear?

IT specialists in application development do not usually wear specific work clothes. In some companies they wear a polo shirt with the company logo on their chest when they meet customers.

How does the training to become a computer application developer work?

The training to become a computer scientist for application development is a classical sandwich course and lasts a total of three years. While the courses take place on up to two days at the vocational school or in the form of block courses, the knowledge acquired is put into practice directly in the training company. In the third year of training, the training is completed by an examination. You will learn the theoretical and practical basics, which are the same in all IT specialist subjects and which are then supplemented by special expertise in application development and operational project work. From August 2020, there will be an extended final examination. The first part of the examination is the same in all IT professions. The second part of the exam includes job-specific tasks and work on company projects.

What does a computer scientist specialising in application development learn at vocational school?

The courses at the vocational school consist of different learning areas. Job-related, interdisciplinary and general subjects are taught. The job-related learning area includes subjects that are of practical relevance to computer scientists for the development of applications, such as information systems, but also economic and commercial areas. The general education learning area is used to acquire advanced skills in subjects such as German, politics and sport. In addition, cross-curricular knowledge is to be acquired, for example in the areas of vocational training, labour law and collective bargaining. This also includes content such as the structure and organisation of the training company, health and safety protection, environmental protection and networking using digital media.

Trainees learn the basics and structures of information and communication systems. The way in which simple applications and software are installed and configured is also covered. In addition, technical English is included in the programme, as the specialist literature and software and hardware documentation is mainly written in English. One of the main areas of learning is the development and delivery of application systems. Here you will learn everything from the basics, such as basic algorithms, to in-depth database developments. Trainees learn to create communication network offerings based on the evaluation of the current performance of various information services (including fixed or radio networks). There is also accounting and controlling.

What does a computer scientist specialising in application development learn in practice?

The trainees first become familiar with their training company and its activities. You will learn which business processes are part of the daily activities and which IT systems they will be responsible for. Problem solving and advising users on hardware and software are also part of their area of responsibility.

Important basics and subject-specific knowledge are imparted, which will optimally prepare you for your daily work. This includes, for example, the design and implementation of customer-specific software applications as well as quality assurance of software applications. For example, if the company plans a simple content management system that can be used to maintain its own homepage or to set up an online shop, it not only participates in the development, but also helps users to train and familiarise themselves with the new systems.