Monday 22 January 2018

How to Write a Job Description for a C# Developer

Crane and building under construction against blue sky


C# is the prominent language of the Microsoft .NET framework. If you run a business based on Windows software, you probably need a C# developer. C# runs numerous custom applications including web, mobile and desktop software. Most new clients just don’t know where to start to find the best C# developer for their project. Here are some tips to get you started.


What Does a C# Programmer Do?


Because C# spans multiple types of platforms, C# developers can create almost any type of app. Whether you need a cloud app to run an API, a desktop app for your users, or even a mobile app specific to Windows phones, a C# developer can help you.


C# is a backend solution, so most of what you don’t see is handled in C# with a Windows application. This makes it difficult for a C# developer to show you what they are capable of. What looks like a simple front-end page in your web browser could have very complex backend code that can take a developer hours to complete.


Most clients are unsure of what they need from a C# developer, especially since the backend processes code and database data sets without any interaction with the user. A C# developer is responsible to make this code as efficient as possible and ensure that performance is top-notch.


Backend developers are also necessary when you need to engineer a new application. They help you decide on the technology to use, and they help determine any APIs that you’ll need. They work directly with a database developer (if you have one), but they usually work with database solutions as well to give you a full solution that delivers content to your front end.


Defining Your C# Project


If you don’t know what a developer needs to do on the backend, it’s difficult to define your project. However, you can still give a detailed explanation of what you need in order to complete your project.


For bug fixes, it’s much easier. You know that you have a bug in your application and you need a developer to find the root problem and create a solution to resolve it. In this scenario, you need to clearly define the bug in your job description. Screenshots are also helpful, but the developer will probably ask for you to recreate the problem or let him reproduce the error with his own account on your system.


New development projects are much more complex. You probably have an idea, but you can’t articulate it in “coder speak.” You don’t need to communicate your idea in code, but you do need to describe your idea in detail so that the coder can (and any potential freelancers) get a clear idea of what you are looking for.


Most new development projects are produced in stages, and some of these stages include design and brainstorming. You can document your idea but a project manager can also help you with this process. The developer needs to create a scope for the project, and this scope defines what will be done for the quoted price. It also helps define what you can expect for your budget.


For new development, you need several preliminary parts before you can put together an application. As an application becomes more complex, these components will help you fully define your project description for your code to ensure that no requirement issues push your deadline or cost you more money. Some of these components include:


  • Wireframes

  • UI/UX design (not necessary for API projects unless you include a front-end for the user)

  • Technical hosting specifications (for cloud and mobile applications)

  • Front-end prototypes and layouts

  • Any APIs you require (for instance, PayPal or social media integration)

  • Testing and bug fixes

  • Publishing and distribution

You don’t need to create these components, but they will be a part of your project. Designers, programmers and project managers will help you design and manage these components. Note that testing is also included. Some clients are tempted to cut budget costs by eliminating the testing phase. This is a huge mistake especially with critical applications you release to your customers. Buggy software can harm your new application’s success.


Writing a C# Development Project Description


With all of these requirements in mind, it’s time to write your project description. When you create a description, you want to include as much detail as possible, but you want to do it in the most succinct way possible.


The way you create a project description will determine the quality of C# programmer you attract. Better descriptions attract better programmers, because they can more accurately determine what you are looking for and give you a cost estimate.


Your project description should describe your idea and requirements, but you will also need to interview a programmer to accurately assess if the coder is the perfect fit.


Below is a sample project description that you can use as a template. Expand and customize it to fit your own project.


Title: C# Developer Need for a New Web Application
Description: We need a C# developer to design and program a custom dashboard for our sales team. We have ideas and documentation included in this job post, but we need a developer to flesh out the design into a workable web-based program that our sales team can use to track leads.


The right developer will provide us with testing and deployment solutions that we can host on our cloud server. All source code, assets, databases, and design will be transferred after the project is complete. We expect the project to be divided into phases where the first phase will be to flesh out the design and assets. The second phase is the programming, and the final phase is testing.


The estimated duration of this project is three months. We need the completed app by XYZ date.


Notice that the description describes what the application is for, the platform where it will be hosted, and a few requirements for deadlines and assets. This will elicit proposals from developers, which you can then use to find the right price and coder for your project.


Remember that the more information you give to your developer, the better estimate you’ll get. The only way to get an idea of costs is to post your project in the marketplace. Once you get a few bids, you can interview developers to get a better idea of project flow and what you can do to collaborate with a C# developer to create a successful application.




Source: B2C

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