23 Facts About Software Developers and Software Engineering

Software development facts and figures prove that computer programming careers are in high demand, with US employment projected to grow 17% from 2023 to 2033. But understanding the world of programming is no mean feat. Before discovering the best practices for hiring tech talent, you should put yourself in the developer’s shoes. 

Various facts about software developers prove that this profession is not just growing – it’s booming. In 2024, the global dev community surpassed 37 million and is expected to reach 57.8 million by 2028, fueled by the tech surge across industries. So, who are these engineers driving global innovation, and what should you know before hiring them? 

I’m Maryna Panchuk, Head of IT Recruitment at Alcor. We hire Silicon Valley-caliber developers for tech companies entering Latin America and Eastern Europe. Our 360-degree R&D center solution scales your team from 10 to 100+ devs within a year while ensuring swift and 100% compliant expansion.  

In today’s guide, you’ll uncover interesting but also data-backed insights into how developers think, what they value at work, and how to truly connect with them. This isn’t just a list of facts about programmers – it’s your practical toolkit for smarter tech hiring in 2025 and beyond. 

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Key Takeaways 

• Software engineering is thriving, with 25% job growth projected in the next decade, flexible career options, remote work possibilities, and a global talent shift toward regions like Eastern Europe and LATAM. 
• Today’s developers are mostly young, self-taught, and highly paid. Many work in specialized fields like AI or cybersecurity, sometimes without formal computer science degrees, focusing instead on real-life skills. 
• The world of software engineering is full of fun facts – from Ada Lovelace’s first algorithm in the 1800s to JavaScript’s coffee-inspired name – showing just how creative and unexpected this industry can be. 
• While it offers exciting growth, this job also comes with hidden truths: frequent job changes, overtime, and burnout are common. But developers also benefit from remote work, equity incentives, and constant learning. 
• If you’re thinking of business expansion, Alcor will help your tech company build a fully compliant R&D team in LATAM or Eastern Europe – with senior-level recruitment, legal support, payroll management, ops, and zero headaches and risks. 

Why is Software Engineering So Popular?

1. A career built for the tech revolution era 

The software engineering industry is booming – and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 25% job growth for software developers between 2022 and 2032, which is over 5x faster than the average across all professions. Meanwhile, the global software technology market is set to hit $742.6 billion in 2025, as demand keeps rising worldwide. 

2. Flexible career paths & specializations 

Among the next striking computer engineering facts is the sheer flexibility of the career itself. Today, tech talent can easily shift between specializations. For instance, a web developer can transition into DevOps and choose between freelancing, working at a startup, or becoming a contractor, and even contribute to open-source projects as a hobby.  

Here are the most popular paths developers take today: 

• Application developers, who build desktop, web, or mobile solutions 

• Web developers, crafting websites and interactive UIs 

• Game developers, working on immersive entertainment experiences 

• Systems software coders, developing operating systems and infrastructure 

• Specialists in security, DevOps, AI, databases, or niche cloud stacks. 

Remote work also plays a big role: according to the Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2025, around 62% of engineers work remotely or in hybrid settings, a decrease of 20% from 2023. The trend of returning to offline work is gradually gaining momentum, but in my view, flexibility and work-life balance are defining features that will continue to make this profession especially appealing for a long time to come.   

3. Tech hubs expanding beyond Silicon Valley 

As the market grows, companies are looking beyond traditional tech centers to find skilled software coders. That’s why Eastern Europe and Latin America have become global talent powerhouses. Today, LATAM and Eastern Europe together account for over 3.8 million talented and versatile tech specialists.  

Find more facts about development in our articles about IT outsourcing in Latin America and outsourcing to Eastern Europe.  

Alcor’s tech recruitment service delivers Silicon Valley-level tech talent right to your global doorstep. We can hire your first 5 developers in just a month and scale your team to 30+ in Eastern Europe or LATAM within 3 months. 

Just take Sift as an example. Our recruitment team helped them meet their initial hiring goal by successfully onboarding 30 skilled software developers and scaling their R&D team to 51 talents across two target locations – Poland and Ukraine. 

12 Facts About Software Development Specialists

1) This job pays big bucks

The national average salary for a Software Developer in the US soared to a staggering  $131,450 in 2024. Unsurprisingly, this profession ranks in the  top 5 in the market!  

Salaries usually vary depending on: 

• Specialization: For example, senior Mobile Developers typically earn between $156K-$174K in the US, depending on their tech stack, seniority, and responsibilities. Senior specialists in AI, cybersecurity, or blockchain generally receive higher compensation – from $160K to $182K per year.
• Location: Pay scales also differ by geography. In the US, the average paycheck for a senior engineer can reach $122K. Meanwhile, in Latin America and Eastern Europe, devs of the same expertise level usually earn from $63K to $69K, offering a more cost-effective option without sacrificing quality. 

While exact numbers can fluctuate, the takeaway is clear – software development provides a solid and competitive income regardless of location. 

However, employers might find this a bit of a pickle, especially when it comes to high salary rates and the fierce competition for top talent. That’s why expanding to global markets not only reduces labor costs but also opens access to rare tech expertise. It’s a win-win for your tech company! 

2) Coders are younger than everyone else

Did you know that around 52% of coders are under 35, with the median age at 43? That’s what another cool fact about being a software developer says. So, if you are looking for software developers, you’ll definitely scale your team with young folks brimming with fresh ideas for your projects and an infinite passion for coding.  

3) Who said a university degree? Not obligatory!

Here’s one of the most empowering facts about programmers: you don’t need a formal engineering degree to become a successful software engineer. The Stack Overflow Developer Survey shows that around 80% of developers tend to learn coding from online resources, while around 20% have no university background or formal degree in computer science at all. 

In today’s IT sector, practical experience and hands-on problem-solving of computer programmers often outweigh formal education. The abundance of free and structured information online has made tech education more accessible than ever before. Online platforms like GitHub, Coursera, and freeCodeCamp provide real-world training in the technologies companies actually use. As a result, an increasing number of hiring managers prioritize real skills over diplomas. 

Expanding to LATAM? Discover the tech qualification of software developers in Colombia! 

4) JavaScript — the king of the coding kingdom

Now, getting to more tech-related facts about software engineering, so buckle up! Let’s start with JavaScript (which is not the same as Java). It was and continues to be the most loved programming language among developers, according to  Statista. Created by Brendan Eich in just 10 days, JavaScript was initially meant only for building web pages. But with the advent of Node.js, it can now be used on the server side to create scalable network applications. Amazingly, JavaScript is used by  over 95% of all websites. 

5) C++, who doesn’t love a good brain teaser?

C++ is a popular programming language for developing operating systems, managing databases, creating games, applications, web browsers, and much more. However, it is also one of the hardest languages to learn compared to Python and Java. C++ has advanced syntax, and its code is less readable because it doesn’t resemble English as much as Python.  

And yet, that hasn’t slowed down its relevance. As of 2024, C++ still ranks in the top 5 most loved languages among experienced engineers, according to multiple developer reports. If you’re working on performance-critical systems or advanced application software, mastering C++ is an investment that pays off – even if, as many developers joke, “I’ve been learning C++ for 30 years.” 

6) Programmers are real job-hoppers

Another fact about software development is that tech talents are known to change jobs every 2-3 years. From a coder’s view, frequent job changes often stem from stagnant salaries, outdated tech stacks, burnout, and a lack of autonomy. A strong company’s culture that truly aligns with developers’ values is one of the few proven ways to retain top tech talent. 

7) Remote work is a lifestyle

One more notable fact about computer engineers: according to the 2025 Developer Skills Report, over 79% of developers prefer hybrid or remote work. Even more, 54% of coders prefere this option, and 13% say the flexibility of remote work is their main reason for switching jobs. For many software coders, this setup shapes their typical day – focused coding sprints, async collaboration, and zero commute.

So, here’s your modern computer engineering fact: top talent no longer expects to be tied to a desk. For employers, going remote means more than just lower costs – it’s about offering autonomy, building trust, and accessing a truly global talent pool. After all, happy coders mean better code! 

Discover the pros and cons of cooperating with IT outsourcing providers in Romania! 

8) Moving up the career ladder like a flash

A developer’s career is generally quite straightforward. While there are different classifications, on average, computer engineers work for 2-3 years as juniors, then qualify for a middle role, and after 5-7 years of experience, they are ready to hold a senior position. From there, most face a classic choice: stay on the engineering path (e.g., tech lead, principal engineer, architect) or pivot into people-focused roles like team or product management. 

Both tracks offer growth, but they require different skill sets. For employers, understanding where someone is on their career journey helps you assign the right challenges – and keep them engaged for the long haul. 

9) AI is a friend, not a competitor

One of the alarming facts about software engineers relates to the hype around AI replacing programmers. And I’m ready to challenge that: 70% of professional developers today report that they don’t see AI as a threat to their jobs, according to the Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2024. 

Instead, AI is driving major innovations in how we work: 

• Tools like GitHub Copilot, Amazon CodeWhisperer, and Vibe coding agents now assist developers across the software development lifecycle – from code autosuggestions to test generation and deployment workflows. 

• In controlled experiments, developers using AI pair programmers completed coding tasks up to 55% faster than those without assistance. 

This means engineers can offload repetitive work to AI agents – reducing human error and staying focused on complex problem-solving and creative design – while still maintaining control and quality. 

10) Devs sometimes own shares, not just code 

That’s true! Equity compensation isn’t just for founders. Many software engineers receive shares or equity as part of their total compensation package. In the US, when total pay exceeds $250K, an increasing portion comes from equity-based rewards like RSUs or stock options. This structure incentivizes long-term commitment and aligns developers’ success with company performance.  

Some public cases underscore the potential upside: 

• Google, Meta, and Stripe regularly grant equity to engineers, making early employees eligible for substantial financial gain. 

• At early-stage startups, it’s common for developers to receive 0.01% to 0.5% of the option pool, depending on the seniority of the role and the stage, which can become a life-changing amount after a successful exit. 

• This is a popular benefit among tech companies expanding to new markets like LATAM and Eastern Europe, as it helps to attract and retain top talent. When building their R&D team in EE, ThredUP wanted to introduce stock options to their most dedicated employees. That’s where Alcor stepped in, handling the entire process and providing expert consultations. As a result, the client got not only a fully backed dev team but also a powerful retention benefit. 

Curious about other success stories? Click the video below! 

11) Methodologies that shape developers’ work 

One of the lesser-known computer engineering facts is how deeply a team’s workflow model influences a developer’s daily routine. 

Agile methodologies have become the norm in most tech teams, offering flexibility, quick iterations, and constant feedback loops – ideal for developers working in dynamic, fast-scaling environments. Meanwhile, some industries still rely on Waterfall for its structured, linear process, especially in high-compliance sectors. 

Each model affects how software coders prioritize tasks, handle communication, and implement automation tools – from CI/CD to documentation. That’s why understanding the development framework is key to evaluating a developer’s productivity, satisfaction, and alignment with your company’s goals. 

12) Employment status of software developers 

The world of software engineering offers far more than the typical 9-to-5 job. In fact, one of the most overlooked facts about application software development is the diversity and dynamism of the developer workforce. 

According to the Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2024, over 84% of professional developers are currently employed across a mix of full-time, part-time, and freelance roles. 

Here’s how companies are engaging developers in 2025: 

• Full-time roles in product companies remain the gold standard for long-term engagement and growth. 

• Freelance and contract gigs attract coders seeking flexibility, niche projects, or side hustles. 

• IT outsourcing and outstaffing models allow companies to scale fast, but often with limited control and hidden fees. 

• R&D centers strike a balance: direct hiring, Employer of Record compliance, and full operational support, providing tech leaders with full ownership without the headache of setting up a local entity. 

Alcor’s EOR for tech: With Alcor, tech companies benefit from 100% compliance with local labor and tax laws, streamlined payroll and benefits handling, plus dedicated Customer Success Managers for seamless onboarding, fast issue resolution, and long-term success. 

6 Fun Facts About Software Engineering

1) First program dates back to the 19th century

Yes, you heard it right! It was written by Ada Lovelace in 1842. Passionate about math, she used her unparalleled and visionary thinking to come up with the algorithm for Babbage’s calculating machine, “The Difference Engine.” While translating a paper by Italian engineer Luigi Manabrea, Ada added many pages of her notes, reimagining the idea of mere calculation in that machine. Even though Babble’s computer was never built, Ada’s contribution to computer programming was monumental.  

2) “Computer” was woman’s only occupation

Considering the modern  gender gap in tech, it may be hard to believe the next striking fact about application software: programming (once called computing) used to be a solely women’s occupation. The first modern computer,  ENIAC, was run by a team of six women: Betty Holberton, Marlyn Wescoff, Ruth Lichterman, Kay McNulty, Betty Jean Jennings, and Fran Bilas. Through extensive planning, learning ENIAC’s logical diagrams, and endless configuration of wires, they set the first programming principles and developed a new field of computer programming – debugging.  

3) The first computer bug was a moth – or was it?

The famous fact about engineering states that the “first actual case of a bug being found” in the computer dates back to 1947. A team of engineers working on Harvard University’s Mark II computer  found a moth stuck in the machine’s components. Since then, “debug” and “bug” have become part of computer slang and have been widely adopted. Interestingly, this was not the first time computer defects were called “bugs.” In 1878, Thomas Edison used this term to describe machine defects or faults. But the story involving Grace Murray Hopper, a pioneering computer scientist, did the trick and embedded the term into tech history. 

4) The logic behind the names of coding languages

• Java was created by James Gosling in 1991.  Inspired by the oak tree outside his office, he initially called it “Oak.” However, potential copyright issues forced the company to come up with an alternative name – “Java.” It was a popular slang term for coffee at that time. Since programmers drink coffee by the gallon, “Java” seemed fitting. Plus, it was easy to spell and remember. 
• Ruby was devised by Japanese software programmer Yukihiro Matsumoto in 1993. Inspired by Perl, he wanted his programming language to have an elegant yet simple name. Together with his colleague Keiju Ishitsuka, they developed Ruby and Coral. The latter was longer by one character, making it a mouthful to write multiple times. So, they opted for a shorter Ruby. By coincidence, pearl is a birthstone of June, while ruby is a birthstone of July, making it a perfect fit for Perl’s successor. 
• Python was not named after a snake; surprise, surprise! Python is an object-oriented programming language created by Guido van Rossum. He was a big fan of the BBC comedy sketch series Monty Python’s Flying Circus.’ So, when looking for a short yet unique and mysterious name for his coding language, he got inspired by the TV show and named his invention Python. 

5) Big tech and their names 

• So, why Apple? Several theories are swirling around this fruity name. One suggests it’s a nod to Isaac Newton, who discovered gravity after an apple fell on his head. Actually, the first logo even showed this scene, but it got a makeover to a simpler design. Another theory credits Steve Jobs’ love for the Beatles’ Apple Corps label. And let’s not forget the famous bite out of the logo, rumored to honor Alan Turing’s tragic apple incident. But the truth? According to Jobs, it was because he was on a fruitarian diet and had recently visited an apple farm.  

• Google got its name due to a typo – shocking! Initially, the leading tech giant’s name should have been googol, referring to a large number. However, someone made a mistake when registering the domain google.com. Nothing happens by chance, as they say, and in the case of Google, it was a windfall success.  
• Meta or Facebook, that’s the question. The mystery behind Facebook changing its name is quite simple. In 2021, Facebook rebranded itself as Meta to show its ambition to go beyond social media and enter a new world of the metaverse – a 3D space for working and playing. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg expressed his thoughts about the metaverse as the next frontier, just like social networking once was.

6) AI goes mainstream in engineering 

Fun facts about application software today wouldn’t be complete without AI – not just as a trend, but as a core driver of how such software is designed, built, and improved. In 2025, 76% of developers are already using or plan to use AI tools in their workflows – up from 70% in the previous year. 

More than 81% report increased productivity as the top benefit – showing that tools like GitHub Copilot and Amazon CodeWhisperer aren’t just hype but truly transform software engineering. Thanks to these automation tools, developers can now focus more on architecture and problem-solving, while smart assistants handle routine tasks. 

5 Untold Truths About Being A Software Engineer

1) Working overtime is likely

Now, discouraging facts about being a software engineer include working overtime. According to  Statista, only 10% of developers admitted they had never worked long hours. Highly stressful deadlines are typical for products in the development stage, which involves testing and debugging before the launch. Aside from being mentally exhausting, such situations can lead to burnout.  

One of our clients,  Sift, aimed to hire 30+ developers in Eastern Europe. However, a Full Stack Developer with unique tech skills required more attention. Alcor recruiters soon realized that the tasks were too many for one engineer to handle. Instead, we suggested hiring a Front End Developer and a Back End Engineer who could maintain productivity without working overtime. 

Now, in the US, this change would mean significant expenses. But in the EE market, the costs still remained moderate. Sift agreed to our suggestion, and it turned out to be a winning solution. So, for employers, a healthy  work environment and work-life balance should always be top priorities. 

2) Sedentary lifestyle takes a toll on programmers’ health 

While interviews and long hours can somehow be managed, the most shocking facts about software developers are related to their health. Bad back and wrists, eye strain, brain fog, and feeling exhausted from focusing on one aspect for too long are the most frequent issues. The essential tip here? Ensure your employees have the right working equipment that matches their needs, and try to broaden the tasks as much as possible.  

3) There’s no end to learning 

There’s no limit to the challenges that may arise for those who have chosen computer programming! Even though hard skills are common in this way, software engineering facts prove that this requirement is innumerable. For instance, a Full Stack Developer must know at least 4-6 main programming languages and frameworks, including emerging trends and AI improvements. In a nutshell, while software developers never get bored, they should also brace themselves for lifelong learning.  

4) Software developers complain about countless interviews

The  State of Remote Engineering 2024 report reveals some juicy details about what bugs programmers most during job interviews. Turns out, 66% mention too many rounds, 69% struggle with delays, and 46% dislike non-personalized generic formats. For companies, it is essential to be aware of these programmers’ facts and streamline their hiring process to avoid losing candidates halfway. The best way to prevent it is via cooperation with a professional tech recruitment and EOR provider who knows all the ins and outs of the hiring process.  

5) Cultural fit is becoming a top priority for recruiters 

In today’s global tech industry, cultural fit is no longer a “nice to have,” it’s a critical hiring factor. With distributed teams, cross-border communication, and rapid scaling, companies need software coders who not only deliver high-quality technical solutions but also align with their company’s culture, values, and workflow style. 

Recent surveys show that for 46% of job seekers, a strong company culture is a key reason to apply. For tech leaders, this means that hiring for cultural compatibility is just as vital as screening for hard skills. 

At Alcor, we ensure cultural fit through our tailored tech recruitment process. Our recruiters go beyond technical screening. We evaluate soft skills, communication style, team adaptability, and even time zone preferences to match developers with your company’s values and team dynamics. That’s how we achieve a 98.6% probation success rate and a 2.5-year tenure of our hires. 

Build a Team of Elite Software Developers

We do our best to keep tech talent from slipping through your fingers. Unlike other providers, Alcor covers every minor aspect of the expansion journey:   

• In-house hiring: with our top-notch  IT recruitment services in Romania, other EE and LATAM countries, we deliver senior engineers that match your needs and culture. 

• Comprehensive Employer of Record: we hire developers on FTE and B2B models, plus handle onboarding, payroll, compliance, and benefits –all under our legal entities.   

• Full operational support: we cover office leasing and hardware procurement for your dev team to function with ease and comfort. 

All of that is wrapped in our tech R&D center solution to bring you peace of mind in the new market.  

With Alcor, you’ll enjoy: 

• Silicon Valley-caliber developers in top tech locations across LATAM and EE 

• Up to 40% savings  compared to offshore development outsourcing models 

• Pricing transparency without any prepayment or hidden fees  

• Your own branded team with full IP rights and zero buyouts 

Tech companies such as Franki, Ledger, People.ai, Dotmatics, and other US and EU tech companies are already reaping the benefits of our comprehensive solution.  

Fill out the form below and try it out yourself!