Remote positions have boomed in popularity since people were forced to work from home in 2020. Many people enjoyed the benefits that came with working from home, and some have even become digital nomads as a result.
A remote developer is a software developer who can work remotely.
It is a very sought-after position thanks to the lucrative nature of software development, as well as the benefits that remote work provide.
This includes things like a flexible schedule, no commuting, and a general improvement in work-life balance.
As the tech industry continues to grow in importance, and more and more tools allow developers to communicate effectively, companies are getting more comfortable hiring remote workers again.
Let’s dive into the specifics of the position. What is a remote developer? And how can you become one?
Whether you are transitioning from another developer position or entering the field for the first time, we’ll evaluate whether this option may work for you.
Are you ready to start your development project?
We have the developers you need to take your development project in the right direction.
Companies are proven to grow their business faster with Trio.
What is a Remote Software Developer?
Definition and Key Responsibilities
As already mentioned, a remote software developer is nothing more than a developer who works remotely.
Their responsibilities usually involve designing software, writing the code for it, testing it to make sure that it works as expected, and then maintaining existing applications.
As a software developer, whether you work from home or find yourself working in the office, you can expect your day-to-day to involve writing new code, debugging existing code, and communicating with other developers.
It is also very important, in my opinion, to emphasize the fact that at least some part of a developer’s day is usually spent learning and keeping up to date with industry trends.
Tech is a rapidly evolving field, so if you are not committed to continuous learning, it can be very easy to fall behind.
Typical Work Environment and Setup
The most typical work environment and setup of a remote software developer usually involves a home office or a dedicated workspace if you do not have room for an office.
Sometimes, developers like to make use of co-working spaces.
Really, remote developers can work from anywhere in the world, as long as there is a stable and reliable internet connection and a laptop powerful enough to handle their work.
Since you spend so much of your day working, I highly recommend that you make yourself as comfortable as possible. If you are working from home, try a comfortable and ergonomic chair or dual monitors.
If you are not working from home or do not have the benefits of a home office, try to make sure that you are not disturbed when you need to focus.
Tasks and Responsibilities of a Remote Developer
Daily Activities and Project Management
Usually, daily activities will include coding on your own or attending virtual meetings where you might discuss code reviews and give or receive progress updates.
Project management is usually done through tools like Trello, Asana, Notion, or Jira.
Collaboration with Remote Teams
Even though you work on your own a lot in a remote environment, you will still need to collaborate with a team.
This collaboration will require more effort than when all employees work in the same location.
To do this, developers work with tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom.
A useful tip is to set up a quick call to introduce yourself to each of your coworkers when starting a remote position. Also, make sure to be active in group chats.
Being silent on a group chat can make it seem like you are not working. So try to reach out and offer advice whenever you can, or ask questions when you get stuck. Just make sure that you read the context so that you are not overbearing.
Step back and support your coworkers when it is required.
Skills You Need to Become a Remote Developer
Technical Skills: Programming, Tools, and Technologies
You need a couple of different technical skills to become a remote developer.
The very basics required include proficiency in programming languages like JavaScript, Python, and others. You should also be able to use development frameworks and version control systems like Git.
Outside of computer languages, you will need knowledge of cloud platforms, CI/CD pipelines, and containerization.
As you will notice, none of these technical skills are specific to remote positions and would also be required in an office-based position.
Soft Skills: Communication, Time Management, Self-Motivation
Unlike technical skill requirements, which are no different than those you would be expected to have when working in an office, soft skills requirements are far greater if you would like to work remotely.
You need to be able to communicate effectively and be a proactive team player.
Additionally, the lack of a manager or coworkers constantly observing you and the work that you are able to complete means that you need to be quite strict with yourself.
Self-discipline and time management are both very important if you are going to be able to transition to a remote job successfully.
How to Transition to Remote Work as a Developer
Steps to Start Your Remote Career
There are 4 steps to start your remote career, and specifically to land a remote software developer job.
- Learn all the skills to become a software developer.
- Build a portfolio of remote-friendly projects and gain general experience.
- Network with other professionals.
- Apply through job boards or cold-apply to companies that have previously advertised remote software engineer jobs.
You might find that you do not have to go through all of the steps to get a remote job.
Many people find that a job opportunity opens up through the platform that they use to learn skills or when networking with other professionals.
Many developers choose bootcamps or a mentorship-based program to learn the skills they require.
A mentorship-based program may help you start networking and find a job through your mentor, but a coding bootcamp is generally the fastest way to build the required skill sets.
Building a Remote-Friendly Portfolio
Most software developers build a portfolio to showcase the fact that they have the skills needed to complete the job.
When creating a portfolio in an effort to become a remote software developer, you need to ensure your projects highlight your ability to complete tasks independently or your ability to work with a remote team.
You can do this by showcasing your experience with remote tasks.
Always make sure that you include descriptions and samples or links to the live applications and web pages.
Adapting to Remote Work Environments
Setting Up a Home Office
As already mentioned, many developers like to work from a home office or a quiet, dedicated workspace if they do not have an entire room free.
If you are trying to set up your work environment, make sure that you are comfortable and work without distractions. Even if you just work in a specific seat at your dining-room table, get a good set of noise-canceling headphones to keep you focussed.
Doing the best with what you have is often better than trying to set up the perfect environment.
Make sure that you keep your daily tasks in mind when selecting an area to work.
If you are going to be participating in a lot of video calls, make sure that your background is suitable, etc.
Developing a Productive Routine
Establishing a productive routine is crucial when you make your own schedule.
Make sure that you set clear working hours and that you keep to them. This will prevent burnout and help you maintain your work-life balance and mental health.
Also, make sure that you schedule regular breaks during your day to keep you productive.
Tools and Technologies for Remote Programmers
Essential Software and Platforms
There are some essential software platforms that you might benefit from using.
Many of these tools designed for remote developers can help you be more efficient or carry out specific tasks.
These include:
- IDEs like Visual Studio Code or IntelliJ IDEA
- Version Control Systems like GitHub or GitLab
Communication and Collaboration Tools
Communication and collaboration tools are becoming more popular now that more and more people are making use of them.
Some popular video conferencing and messaging platforms include Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet.
Common project management tools that I have personally worked with in my many years as a remote worker include Trello and Notion.
Generally, the company that you work for will have one platform for communication and one platform for project management.
However, if you decide that you would prefer online freelancing, you may need to be familiar with several tools for effective communication and collaboration.
When using these tools, it is crucial to be aware of and comply with each platform’s privacy policy. Understanding the privacy policies helps ensure that your data and your company’s data are protected.
Work-Life Balance for Remote Software Developers
Managing Time and Avoiding Burnout
It is very important that you manage your time well in order to prevent burnout. You need to make sure that you set boundaries, and that your coworkers and company stick to them.
Many companies offer flexible schedule options that allow you to work whenever is the most convenient for you as long as you complete a certain number of hours every day.
In cases like this, you can make use of time-tracking tools to monitor your work hours.
Always make sure that you allocate some time during the day for personal activities.
Advantages of Being a Remote Software Developer
Flexibility and Freedom
Remote developers can enjoy a flexibility that people working in an office just cannot.
This can be in the form of being able to choose your work hours, work from any location, and balance your personal and professional commitments.
Increased Productivity and Job Satisfaction
Companies that hire remote developers often find that they are more productive than their in-office counterparts.
This can be attributed to many things, including the lack of distractions from coworkers, the nonexistent commute time, and the better work-life balance.
Developers also find that they have better job satisfaction. People who enjoy remote jobs more often find that this is because they have more time in general and they are around their families more.
However, full-time remote jobs are definitely not for everyone.
If you are someone who thrives off working with an in-person team and interacting with other people all the time, then you might not experience higher satisfaction, and your productivity might decrease if you decide to become a digital nomad.
Finding Remote Developer Jobs with the Right Skills
Job Search Strategies and Platforms
There are several ways that you can look for the job of your dreams.
The first is that you can use remote job boards like Remote OK and We Work Remotely. These may have a variety of different job listings, although it is quite rare to find entry-level positions advertised on these platforms.
Then, you can network on platforms like LinkedIn and join other remote work communities.
Additionally, there are numerous opportunities for freelance developer jobs on platforms such as Upwork, Freelancer, and Toptal.
These platforms allow developers to connect with clients seeking project-based work, offering flexibility and a variety of projects that can help build experience and a portfolio. They even take care of the legal aspects of freelancing, like invoice creation.
When looking for a job, make sure that you create a cover letter that will highlight your remote work skills and experience, and will indicate some form of personalization.
Networking and Professional Communities
As already mentioned, networking through LinkedIn or other communities can be a great way to find a job, especially if you are looking for an entry-level position.
GitHub is another popular community where you can provide support and contribute your skills. This will lead to you building a reputation in your industry and may give you a few leads.
Then, you can find and contribute to online forums like Quora, attend virtual meetups, and even engage with peers on social media.
Growing Popularity of Remote Work for Developers
Statistics and Growth Projections
Some statistics show a significant increase in the number of remote developers over the last few years.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the demand for software engineers has more than doubled. Among those, web developers have seen a notable rise. Most companies offer the ability to work remotely or in a hybrid position.
The industry is projected to continue growing at more than 25% between 2022 and 2032 in the United States. This is far faster than the average.
There is no indication that the remote proportion of these developers will decrease. If anything, it will continue to rise, and many companies will compete to offer the best remote work environment in an effort to hire top talent.
Influencing Factors
Some factors influencing the continued rise in remote developer jobs include the advancement in technology, changing workforce demographics, and the fact that people are looking for a better work-life balance.
Remote work also gives people the ability to hire globally, allowing them to build a team environment with employees that are not only passionate but the best in their field.
Benefits for Employers Hiring Remote Software Developers
Cost Savings and Access to a Global Talent Pool
As already mentioned, since remote workers do not have to live nearby, companies can hire from anywhere in the world.
When working with remote developers, employers can also save a lot of money on office space and other overhead costs. This can be very appealing for startups in particular.
Enhancing Workforce Diversity
Remote work also lets companies enhance diversity by including people from different regions and backgrounds in their company. These people may offer a new perspective or give insight into a different work environment.
This diversity leads to more innovation and attracts a better variety of clients.
Impact of Remote Developers on the Software Development Industry
Changes in Development Practices and Team Dynamics
Development practices and team dynamics have been changed forever. Synchronous communication used to be the norm. But now, people have adapted to agile methodologies and more asynchronous communication.
This has resulted in more efficient communication in a team environment with individuals from different time zones.
Long-Term Industry Implications
In the long term, we could be looking at a continued shift to remote or at least hybrid work.
We might even see more of a shift toward outcome-based performance metrics.
Elevate Your Team with Trio AI Talent
Empower Your Projects with Trio’s Elite Tech Teams
Conclusion
The future of software development is remote work. There are benefits for both employers and employees, as better work-life balance and productivity go hand-in-hand.
If you are an aspiring remote developer, you should make sure to build the required skills and network with others to find an opportunity.
If you are looking for a remote developer, Trio.dev can help you outsource an individual or even a dedicated team. We can also provide remote development directly.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting a remote developer job can be competitive, but with the right skills, portfolio, and networking efforts, it is achievable.
Remote development involves working on software projects from a location outside the traditional office, using various tools and technologies to collaborate and communicate with team members.
Salaries for remote software developers vary based on experience, skills, and location, but they generally average around $111,845 per year in the United States.
In programming, “remote” refers to the ability to work from a location other than the traditional office environment.
