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The Irish software development market has been in a constant state of flux recently. Companies are eager to find skilled developers, but the competitive landscape makes it challenging to identify the right talent. Simultaneously, developers face increasing challenges in securing positions as the demand for staying current with emerging technologies intensifies.
Drawing on our experience with both hiring managers and talent in the market, we’ve pinpointed some of the key trends, in-demand skills, and critical focus areas over the coming months.
#1 Software Development Continuum of Activity
Software development roles are diverse and have expanded significantly in recent years. A successful developer in today’s market does more than just code – they integrate programming skills with expertise in areas like DevOps, cloud computing, security, machine learning, and systems architecture. Many positions now demand skills that extend beyond traditional programming.
It’s important to recognise the balance of activities in a software developer’s role. The continuum below highlights the wide range of tasks involved throughout the software development lifecycle. Understanding this balance underscores the importance of context when evaluating roles – while some developers engage in all these activities, not every role covers every step.
#2 Variables Shaping Software Development Roles
Where a role falls on the continuum can vary widely depending on the company’s size, the complexity and nature of its projects, and the developer’s level of specialisation. It’s crucial for hiring managers to understand these factors in order to align talent with the right roles effectively.
In some organisations, developers may focus on specific tasks like coding or software design, while in others, they might take on a broader range of responsibilities, including DevOps integration and deployment. This distribution of tasks can directly influence factors such as compensation and career progression.
- Team and Company Size:
A developer at a startup might handle everything from product design to deployment, while a developer at a large corporation typically focuses on specific technical areas, gaining experience with large-scale systems or enterprise applications. In smaller companies, developers often take on tasks like unit and integration testing, whereas larger firms typically have dedicated testing teams or automated frameworks in place.
Smaller environments offer a broader range of responsibilities, giving developers a more holistic understanding of the product. This also requires versatility across disciplines, sometimes including quality assurance. While DevOps may be less prominent in very small companies due to simpler infrastructure, developers in these settings often gain broad, hands-on skills, while those in larger organisations tend to develop deeper expertise in specialised areas and manage more complex systems. - Project Size and Complexity:
- Scalability Focus: Developers with experience building applications for large-scale user bases – handling millions of requests or managing distributed systems – are critical for both large companies and those planning aggressive growth. Experience working with cloud platforms (such as AWS, GCP, or Azure) is particularly valuable, as these environments provide the essential infrastructure for scaling and managing distributed systems. Knowledge of microservices, containerisation (Docker/Kubernetes), and event-driven architectures is also particularly relevant.
- Greenfield vs. Legacy Projects: Building new software (greenfield projects) requires a different mindset than maintaining or modernising existing systems (legacy projects). Developers with experience in refactoring, migrating, or optimising legacy systems bring significant value, especially to enterprises managing technical debt.
- Nature of the Product: The type of product shapes development roles. Consumer-facing products often need developers skilled in front-end frameworks, mobile development, and UX optimisation. In contrast, enterprise or B2B solutions require expertise in backend systems, data security, and scalability. Regulated industries like healthcare and finance demand knowledge of compliance requirements (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR), influencing the necessary skills and processes.
- Specialisation and Technical Proficiency:
- Frontend, Backend, and Full-Stack Development: The specific focus of a developer’s expertise is crucial when evaluating talent. Frontend developers excel at creating user-facing interfaces, backend developers handle server-side logic and databases, and full-stack developers offer versatility by working across both areas. Hiring managers should assess which skill set best aligns with the project’s needs and the technology stack in use.
- Language-Agnostic Developers: Developers proficient in multiple programming languages provide flexibility for companies experimenting with various tech stacks. These developers are highly valued for their adaptability, as they can seamlessly integrate into different teams and switch contexts as needed.
- Industry-Specific Expertise: In specialised sectors such as FinTech, MedTech, or blockchain, developers with domain expertise have a significant advantage. Their understanding of industry-specific challenges – like regulatory compliance or real-time systems – enables them to anticipate and address problems more effectively.
- Mobile Development Expertise: Mobile development is increasingly central to many companies’ technology strategies. Some developers specialise in Android or iOS platforms, while others incorporate mobile work as part of their broader full-stack role. Whether hiring for mobile-first projects or seeking a comprehensive full-stack developer, this expertise can influence timelines, scalability, and overall product strategy. Hiring managers should consider how mobile proficiency aligns with the company’s needs and priorities.
- Generative AI Proficiency: As generative AI becomes more integrated into software development, proficiency with AI-powered tools is becoming a critical skill for developers. Developers are increasingly expected to leverage AI for tasks like code generation, automated testing, and debugging, making these tools essential for both new projects and legacy system migrations. Beyond mastering multiple programming languages, developers now need to be proficient at using AI tools to accelerate development and improve code quality. This shift emphasises the importance of continuous learning and updating certifications, as developers skilled in AI-driven development will gain a competitive edge in managing complex systems and optimising workflows. For hiring managers, assessing a developer’s familiarity with generative AI will be crucial as more projects rely on AI-driven environments in the coming years.
- A recent Forbes article highlights a range of AI tools that are becoming essential for developers. These tools are designed specifically for coding and related tasks, offering specialised interfaces or integration with development environments. While general-purpose chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini can generate code, the following 20 tools are tailored for coding workflows: GitHub Co-Pilot, Amazon Q Developer, IBM watsonx Code Assistant, CodeWP, AIXCoder, AskCodi, Codacy, Codecomplete, Code Llama, Codepal, CodeSquire, Metabob, Polycoder, Mintlify, Mutable, Replit, Android Studio with Gemini, Tabnine AI Code Assistant, Warp, and What The Diff.
#3 Salary Insights: Software Development in 2024
In software development, compensation is influenced by a blend of problem-solving abilities, leadership and interpersonal skills, technical expertise, and project ownership. The job market for software developers in Ireland remains competitive, particularly for highly specialised roles.
Example Salary Ranges:
- Cloud Engineer/Architect (Cork, MNC): €110,000 – €130,000
- Senior DevOps Engineer (Dublin, Mid-Sized SaaS Company): €90,000 – €100,000
- Senior Back-End Developer (Dublin, FinTech): €85,000 – €95,000
- Senior Mobile Developer (Dublin, Tech Start-Up): €75,000 – €90,000
- Front-End Developer (Cork, MNC): €60,000 – €75,000
- Graduate/Junior Software Developer (Galway, MNC): €35,000 – €42,000
Salary ranges vary due to factors such as geographic location, company size, level of experience with specific technologies, etc. Developers with skills in emerging areas will be able to command even higher salaries.
#4 Key Trends in Software Development for 2024
- Generative AI – for use in Software development:
Generative AI is transforming software development by enabling faster, more efficient coding processes. AI tools like GitHub Co-Pilot, IBM Watsonx Code Assistant and Amazon Q Developer are changing how developers work by automating repetitive tasks such as code generation, debugging, and testing. These tools not only accelerate development but also improve code quality by identifying errors early and offering suggestions based on prior projects. Over the next five years, AI is expected to become a cornerstone of software development, empowering developers to focus more on creative problem-solving and complex system design. As AI evolves, it will reshape the entire development lifecycle – from prototyping to deployment – making it crucial for companies to invest in AI-driven development environments and for developers to stay current with these innovations. - Cloud & DevOps:
As cloud platforms dominate application development, developers familiar with cloud-native principles such as microservices and serverless computing are in high demand. Developers who can design, build, and scale applications in cloud environments are increasingly sought after, especially as companies shift to cloud-first strategies. The integration of development and operations is increasingly critical for ensuring continuous delivery and scalable infrastructure. Developers with experience in DevOps practices – especially those skilled in automation, CI/CD pipelines, and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools will be highly valued for their ability to help maintain agile, high-performing teams. - Security:
With rising cybersecurity threats, developers must adopt security best practices throughout the software development lifecycle. Skills in secure coding, penetration testing, and vulnerability management are essential for safeguarding applications, particularly in sensitive sectors like FinTech, eCommerce, and healthcare. A strong understanding of security-focused practices is increasingly valuable, making developers who prioritise security highly valued in today’s landscape.
#5 Software Development Talent Availability
We’ve shared a snapshot of the current Software Development market for this quarter.
#6 What Should Companies Focus on When Hiring in 2024?
- Prioritise Hybrid Work Models and Irish Talent but Expand for Niche Skills:
From speaking with a broad pool of talent in this field, many developers work fully remote or have very flexible working arrangements, making flexibility a key factor when considering new opportunities. To remain competitive, companies will need to try to continue offering hybrid or remote options. While the priority should be on hiring locally in the Irish market, for niche roles where skillsets are in short supply, it would be a good use of time to look beyond Ireland. There’s been a rise in contractors from other EU countries filling these gaps, especially for specialised projects. - Upskilling and Continuous Learning:
The most successful developers are those committed to continuous learning. Companies should not only seek talent with up-to-date technical skills but also consider developers who may have minor skill gaps yet possess the potential to become valuable team assets. Investing in ongoing training in critical areas such as AI, cloud computing, and DevOps will not only retain talent but also ensure your team stays ahead of industry trends. - Building Collaborative Engineering Cultures:
Developers today don’t work in isolation. Those who can communicate effectively across teams and departments bring immense value. This should also be a key consideration when evaluating a person’s overall potential, even if there is a slight skills gap with a specific tool. A collaborative nature is highly valuable, and companies should foster environments where developers are encouraged to work with cross-functional teams, aligning technical goals with business objectives. - Emphasis on Developer Productivity and Well-Being:
Companies are increasingly investing in tools and practices to enhance developer productivity, from improved code review methods to minimising context-switching. By reducing these interruptions, organisations help developers stay focused, boost efficiency, and lessen cognitive overload. Equally important is the emphasis on work-life balance and mental health, with more companies offering flexible work arrangements and prioritising well-being to attract and retain top talent.
The software development landscape in Ireland is diverse, rapidly evolving, and highly competitive. By understanding the complexities of various roles, specialisations, and industry trends, companies can craft more effective recruitment and retention strategies. Offering competitive salaries, flexible working conditions, and fostering continuous learning are crucial to attracting and nurturing adaptable, innovative talent.
For more tailored advice on software development hiring strategies, please feel free to contact Rachel McGuckian our Software Development Talent Advisory & Recruitment expert here in Barden (rachel.mcguckian@barden.ie); we’re where leaders go before, they start looking for Software Development talent.
This information is accurate as per October 2024 and will be updated periodically. Data sources include Barden Proprietary Data, LinkedIn Analytics, and other proprietary 3rd party data sources. If you have a request and would like real-time information to inform your hiring decisions contact Rachel McGuckian at rachel.mcguckian@barden.ie