The Elixir programming language might be one of the best-kept secrets in the software engineering community. For that reason, businesses that insist on reliable and scalable applications hire Elixir developers.
The language is dynamic, lightweight, and efficient. These features make it great for data-intensive workloads that require high-speed transfers or real-time communication. It is no wonder that prominent companies, including Pinterest, Motorola, and Slack, hire Elixir programmers. In fact, Statista reports that Elixir now has twice as many developers as Erlang, the language it originated from.
Of course, that means you have a lot of competition when hiring Elixir developers. Though the language has grown, it still has relatively few experts. The Statista survey shows that only 2.1% of programmers are using or plan to use Elixir.
Still, the effort is worth it and leads to impressive results. As an example, Travis Vander Hoop is a senior developer who worked as a consulting Elixir expert for Estée Lauder, a multibillion-dollar brand. He helped the company optimize its software for performance. Travis also introduced a function for dual pathing, a strategy for protecting valuable data.
You will need a solid strategy to discover, screen, and interview high-caliber Elixir engineers. Use this guide to understand what an Elixir developer can do for your business. Also, uncover helpful tactics for finding, vetting, and hiring Elixir developers.
Is Elixir on Demand
Demand for Elixir developers remains consistent. Stack Overflow's 2022 survey shows Elixir in the top 10 highest-paying programming languages. It's also the second most loved according to survey respondents. Developers continually discover innovative ways to use this programming language, from robust web applications to training machine learning modules.
With Elixir's current growth and potential uses, the challenge of finding the right technical talent comes as no surprise. New and experienced developers continually enter the job market, giving you more choices and challenges in selecting talent.
Why Elixir Remains Popular
Elixir offers several essential benefits. It's a functional programming language — its code behaves like mathematical functions because the same input always leads to the same output. Elixir is also reliable thanks to its fault-tolerance capabilities. Because the BEAM VM it runs on can segregate dysfunctional modules from other code, this can avert complete systems failures.
Thanks to its simple construction, Elixir requires less code to achieve your desired results. Its uncomplicated syntax also helps developers build applications faster. Because José Valim designed Elixir on top of Erlang's virtual machine, it inherits another core advantage: scalability. Like its predecessor Erlang, Elixir can easily handle constant traffic and high loads. For applications that must deliver 99% availability, Elixir is a perfect fit.
“Elixir language is based on Beam, which has been implemented by tech giants like WhatsApp, Ericsson, and IBM. The José Valim creation comes with power-packed features such as Pipe-operator and helps in scaling up the software.”
The Challenges of Finding Tech Talent
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 25% increase in software development jobs until 2031. That translates to an average of 162,900 openings per year. The BLS cites artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, robotics, and automation technologies as critical factors contributing to growth in this profession.
Qualified candidates will naturally compete for these opportunities. Meanwhile, the IT talent marketplace remains global: Evans Data Corporation estimated in December 2022 that there are 25.6 million software developers worldwide. This large talent pool contains professionals with unique skills, experience, and education.
With so many candidates from which to choose, selecting technical talent can be difficult and time-consuming. Knowing how to hire Elixir developers is critical for getting the best talent and value.
What Does an Elixir Developer Do?
Elixir is an open-source programming language used to create scalable applications. The official Elixir website explains that software developer José Valim invented it in 2012. Vailm developed Elixir during an R&D project at Plataformatec, a Brazilian software consulting firm. He designed the language while trying to improve the Ruby on Rails framework and made it to run on BEAM, a virtual machine also running Erlang code.
While Erlang's roots lie in the telecommunications industry, Elixir is a dynamic and process-oriented programming language. One of its primary strengths is its compatibility with multiple cloud platforms. Educative mentions several use cases for Elixir:
- Adobe: The software firm used Elixir to create a client-cloud app for collaborative photography workflows.
- Discord: The company's developers used Elixir to build the popular instant messaging and chat application.
- Moz: Developers used Elixir to improve API speeds and reduce disk space on its backend.
- Pinterest: The social media network redesigned its notification system with Elixir to enhance performance and efficiency.
Elixir engineers craft solutions like these for clients in many industries. The technology is popular with software-as-a-service providers, especially with the Phoenix web framework.
What Can an Elixir Developer Do for Your Business?
When you hire an Elixir developer, your company has an ally with the following valuable competencies.
BEAM Concurrency
Large software systems and databases usually rely on concurrency. This is the ability to run multiple processes at the same time for greater efficiency.
Elixir uses the Bogdan Erlang Abstract Machine (BEAM) to manage concurrent activity on multiple CPU cores. A top Elixir developer understands how to take advantage of these features by writing concurrent and parallel code. This leads to efficient and lightweight software that can manage a heavy workload for you.
Elixir and BEAM also facilitate fault tolerance. This characteristic allows your programs to recover quickly from any failures and keep running smoothly for users.
Functional Programming Concepts
Elixir is a functional programming language. These languages are results-oriented and use math functions for code instead of statements.
The benefit of such a language is that your software is more maintainable because the code is clean and clear. Also, problems are easier to pinpoint and solve. As a result, if you have to hire a different Elixir specialist later on, that person will not have difficulty maintaining and upgrading your software.
Knowledge of Open Telecom Platform
Despite the name, the Open Telecom Platform (OTP) is not just for telecommunications. It is a platform of open-source libraries and tools that are in the Erlang programming language.
Elixir runs on top of Erlang. Therefore, having access to the robust resources in OTP gives developers access to more processes for greater efficiency.
Experience With the Phoenix Framework
Web development frameworks are platforms that assist developers in building and maintaining websites and programs. These libraries of templates and prewritten code speed up development time and ensure coding best practices.
Phoenix allows programmers to design high-performance web applications. Knowledge of Phoenix is also essential for creating Elixir apps that handle a large number of concurrent connections in real time while remaining maintainable and scalable.
Effective Metaprogramming Strategies
Metaprogramming involves building programs that can help write and manipulate other programs. In other words, developers can write code that writes code. This technique makes programmers more productive.
However, only the most skilled developers have mastered this strategy. Metaprogramming concepts are somewhat complex and require the use of specific macros. Overuse of metaprogramming creates complex code, eliminating one of the top benefits of Elixir. Be sure to hire Elixir engineers who know how to do it correctly.
Why Hire Dedicated Elixir Developers
Elixir developers for hire offer specialized skills and expertise needed for complex projects. Since Elixir works well for scalable and distributed applications, Elixir engineers may help create mobile, web, and cloud-deployed solutions. Some senior developers may have up to 10 years of experience with Elixir.
Depending on your project, you may need a single software engineer for its complete development life cycle. Alternatively, you may require a team of many experts to handle different aspects of your project. Perhaps you're looking for a specialist to provide ongoing maintenance for an application. When you hire Elixir developers, you benefit from their skills and expertise regardless of which part of the project they handle.
Should I Hire a Freelance Elixir Developer?
You have a few options for finding tech talent: full-time, part-time, and freelance. All these have unique benefits. However, you may get the best value by hiring Elixir freelancers:
- Cost savings : With freelancers, you don't have to pay traditional hiring costs like benefits, vacation time, training, and payroll taxes.
- Lots of choices : Many talent-sourcing platforms include professionals from all over the globe with niche skill sets. You can easily find a developer who's perfect for your project.
- Fast hiring process : The freelancers you choose are ready to onboard immediately. You can complete projects much faster than with the traditional hiring model.
- Scalability : You only choose and pay for the talent you need. You can adjust the size of your development team as your needs dictate.
These benefits underscore why it's best to hire an Elixir developer freelance.
How To Hire Elixir Developers
Start by figuring out the project requirements and objectives. Consider your timeline to determine whether you need a freelancer, full-time, or part-time hire. Many companies do not require a developer to be permanently on staff, so a freelancer is the most efficient hire.
Likewise, you have to ensure that your developer fits within your budget. This aspect of hiring is another area where bringing on contractors is beneficial. Freelancers eliminate many of the concerns about regulations and expenses that come with hiring an employee.
The developer’s portfolio will do a lot to help you see whether they are average or in the top echelon. Projects with big brands and Fortune 500 companies are a good sign. Top software engineers have also led multiple teams and generally have at least six years of experience.
These elite tech professionals are senior or lead developers. They usually have experience in multiple programming languages and techniques, which is important when you hire an Elixir developer.
On the other hand, junior developers will be early in their profession. Though competent with coding, they usually need someone to review their work or supervise them. Remember, Elixir is all about speed and efficiency in handling large datasets. Junior devs rarely have the know-how to take on such tasks alone.
Likewise, mid-level software developers are generally better within a team setting for sizable projects. They are generally capable of smaller solo assignments, however.
If you are not sure which developer is right for your team, refer to our list of sites for hiring Elixir developers. The leading companies can show you how to hire Elixir developers with the correct skill set.
Junior | Middle | Senior | |
---|---|---|---|
Experience level | 1-3 years | 3-6 years | 6+ years |
Primary activities | Writing and maintaining basic code Fixing bugs Conducting tests and drafting reports | Working alone on significant sections of a designed project Develops quality assurance procedures Communicates with stakeholders and coordinates activities with other teams | Creates and implements design plans for new software Writes advanced code and reports Trains other team members and delegates assignments Creates or reviews final drafts of technical documents |
Essential skills | Willingness to learn and accept constructive feedback Understands your industry and product stack | Able to consult on and suggest the scope of new features Able to work independently Strong communication skills | Leadership qualities Ensures clean and maintainable code Problem-solving and emotional intelligence Understands how to generate business value with deliverables |
What Skills To Look For When Hiring an Elixir Developer
Defining a critical skillset is essential when you wish to hire Elixir developers. While you should keep your project needs in mind, many of these specialists share common core competencies:
- Elixir programming language
- Erlang programming language
- BEAM virtual machine
- SQL, MySQL, and NoSQL
- Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD)
Other Programming Languages
Many Elixir experts are proficient in multiple programming languages. These usually include Python and Ruby, two critical tools often used in building Elixir apps. Web application developers may also know Javascript, HTML, and CSS.
Cloud Platforms
Because many cloud-based apps and services use Elixir, developers should demonstrate proficiency in at least one cloud platform. Most developers have experience with Amazon Web Services but may also know Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure, or IBM Bluemix.
Database Technologies
Most Elixir specialists have experience with database technologies and tools like Ecto and PostgreSQL. Ecto is a database wrapper and toolkit created by Eric Meadows-Jönsson, an Elixir core team member. Developers commonly use PostgreSQL with the Phoenix web framework. Depending on their previous experience, some developers may also know Oracle or MongoDB.
Web Frameworks
Elixir developers typically use Phoenix or Ruby on Rails web frameworks. Both are popular for website applications because they're easy to use, offer robust tools, and provide structures that enable faster project creation. Some experts also have expertise with Django, a Python framework that promotes speed, flexibility, and security.
Server APIs
Other Elixir developer skills include Server APIs such as SOAP and REST. SOAP stands for "Simple Object Access Protocol," while REST refers to representational state transfer architecture. Both are messaging frameworks but work slightly differently. They play crucial roles in data communication, especially in retrieving database information.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire Elixir Developers?
The cost of hiring an Elixir developer varies widely. The latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicates that software developers earn an average annual wage of $120,990. ZipRecruiter cites a typical yearly salary of $116,750 for Elixir developers. Meanwhile, top Elixir developers can earn up to $180,000 annually.
Tips for Writing an Elixir Developer Job Description
A well-written job description can help you hire Elixir developers. You want it to be informative yet easy to understand. Wright State University's Human Resource department offers several helpful tips you can use. Be sure to include several essential details:
- Job title : This should accurately reflect the person's role.
- Job purpose : Describe what this person will do to contribute to your organization.
- Duties and responsibilities : Summarize essential functions, listing them in order of importance or frequency.
- Qualifications : Separate these into categories: education, experience, and skills. Indicate which are required and which are "nice to have."
- Working environment : State whether the position is remote, in the office, or hybrid.
Include vital technical skills based on your project's requirements. One pertinent example is Python: Many Elixir developers have it in their skill sets, but you should still explicitly mention it if it's a necessary core competency.
Common Interview Questions To Ask When You Are Looking To Hire an Elixir Developer
The resume and portfolio should give you a concrete idea of an applicant’s skill level. Consequently, you likely will not have to spend much time on technical questions in the face-to-face interview.
However, you can consider scheduling a pair programming exercise . This technique puts two developers together on an assignment so you can see how they interact.
The interview is an excellent time to see the candidate’s personality in action. The discussion lets you figure out if the individual is a good fit before you hire an Elixir programmer. Consider posing questions such as:
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How would you explain Elixir to someone who has little to no coding knowledge?
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What do you do outside of work hours to become a better developer?
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What do you do if a project deadline is within a few hours but the code is not working?
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How did you respond when an executive asked you to change your code but you did not agree with the decision?
The responses give you a sense of the person’s emotional intelligence , communication skills, collaborative spirit, and eagerness to improve.
In all cases, ensure that you are conducting interviews in an unbiased manner. A transparent scoring system for each part of the application and vetting process can help you give all candidates a fair shot.
How To Find Freelance Elixir Developers for Hire
Sourcing the best technical talent can be challenging, especially when searching for Elixir experts. Refer to our list of the best sites to hire Elixir developers that offer the most value for your organization and projects. Using a site like Toptal that diligently vets and matches candidates can save time and effort. You benefit by receiving world-class professionals through a speedy selection and onboarding process. Toptal takes care of the heavy lifting, leaving you to focus on critical aspects of your business.
Hiring Elixir Developers - FAQ
- How Much Does It Cost To Hire an Elixir Developer?
The average annual salary for U.S. Elixir developers is $116,759, or $56 per hour. Yearly wages range from $11,000 to $154,000. This broad salary range considers years of experience, location and skill levels.
- Are Elixir Developers in Demand?
Elixir is one of 2023’s top ten programming languages, with the demand for skilled Elixir developers expected to increase. As a whole, the projected job growth for software developers is 25% from 2022 to 2032. This rate is much higher than the 3% national average.
- What is an Elixir engineer, and why should you hire one?
- Elixir engineers can play many roles in the development process. They may design software, write and debug, test what they've built, and integrate it with other tools and subsystems. Depending on their specific roles in their project teams, they may build individual components or an entire application from start to finish. Hiring one of the professionals ensures you have the resources needed to complete your project quickly and efficiently.
- Where can I find Elixir developers?
- You'll want to review our list of the 15 best sites to hire Elixir developers. The platforms, networks, and companies on the list give you many options for finding technical talent. Freelancing platforms allow clients to post jobs and hire talent directly or offer exclusive talent-matching services. This list also includes software development companies whose in-house teams can develop your project.
- How do you hire an Elixir developer?
- To hire Elixir developers, start with a clear and detailed job description. Select a site whose products, services, and talent pool fit your organization's needs and project requirements the best. Sites that rigorously vet their candidates are more likely to provide you with top Elixir developers.